XMM-Newton Science Analysis System: User Guide



4.1.3 The EPIC-pn Observation Data Files

The most relevant files for scientific analysis of a pn observation are (depending on the observing mode) the imaging mode, the timing mode or the burst mode event list files together with the auxiliary file providing a detailed description of each frame recorded during the exposure. The structure of these files is described in the XMM-Newton Data File Handbook [29]. One imaging mode event list file is produced per CCD by the "Full Frame" and "Large Window" instrumental modes. Only CCD 4 is active in "Small Window", "Timing" or "Burst" mode. Hence these modes produce event list data only for a single chip. The other chips do not collect any data. In timing and burst mode, CCD 4 collects spatial info only in one dimension (the X axis) whereas the Y axis is a measure of the detection time.



European Space Agency - XMM-Newton Science Operations Centre