Unfolding X-Ray Spectral Data: Conditions and Applications
We present conditions for which X-ray spectra can be “unfolded” to present an accurate representation of the true source spectra. The method we use to unfold the data is implemented in the Interactive Spectral Interpretation Software and distinguishes itself as being model-independent. We find that...
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| Format: | Article |
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IOP Publishing
2024-01-01
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| Series: | The Astronomical Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/ad86b8 |
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| author | Sean J. Gunderson David P. Huenemoerder |
| author_facet | Sean J. Gunderson David P. Huenemoerder |
| author_sort | Sean J. Gunderson |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | We present conditions for which X-ray spectra can be “unfolded” to present an accurate representation of the true source spectra. The method we use to unfold the data is implemented in the Interactive Spectral Interpretation Software and distinguishes itself as being model-independent. We find that this method of unfolding makes accurate representations of the true source spectra: (1) The detector is high-resolution, and (2) The spectrum is not steeply sloped. These criteria are not simple conditions that give concrete determinations; each detector and spectrum must be judged individually. We find that both grating and imaging detectors can be unfolded with minimal distortions as compared to both continuum and local spectral features, the latter CCD detectors being much more energy dependent. We also provide example use cases for unfolding in the context of current generation X-ray observatories and important caveats. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-35c0257edabd402ba317a069e156061a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1538-3881 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | IOP Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | The Astronomical Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-35c0257edabd402ba317a069e156061a2024-12-03T08:19:05ZengIOP PublishingThe Astronomical Journal1538-38812024-01-011691210.3847/1538-3881/ad86b8Unfolding X-Ray Spectral Data: Conditions and ApplicationsSean J. Gunderson0https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2602-6703David P. Huenemoerder1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3860-6230Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA ; seang97@mit.edu dph@mit.eduKavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA ; seang97@mit.edu dph@mit.eduWe present conditions for which X-ray spectra can be “unfolded” to present an accurate representation of the true source spectra. The method we use to unfold the data is implemented in the Interactive Spectral Interpretation Software and distinguishes itself as being model-independent. We find that this method of unfolding makes accurate representations of the true source spectra: (1) The detector is high-resolution, and (2) The spectrum is not steeply sloped. These criteria are not simple conditions that give concrete determinations; each detector and spectrum must be judged individually. We find that both grating and imaging detectors can be unfolded with minimal distortions as compared to both continuum and local spectral features, the latter CCD detectors being much more energy dependent. We also provide example use cases for unfolding in the context of current generation X-ray observatories and important caveats.https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/ad86b8X-ray astronomyCCD observationAstronomy data reductionSpectroscopy |
| spellingShingle | Sean J. Gunderson David P. Huenemoerder Unfolding X-Ray Spectral Data: Conditions and Applications The Astronomical Journal X-ray astronomy CCD observation Astronomy data reduction Spectroscopy |
| title | Unfolding X-Ray Spectral Data: Conditions and Applications |
| title_full | Unfolding X-Ray Spectral Data: Conditions and Applications |
| title_fullStr | Unfolding X-Ray Spectral Data: Conditions and Applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Unfolding X-Ray Spectral Data: Conditions and Applications |
| title_short | Unfolding X-Ray Spectral Data: Conditions and Applications |
| title_sort | unfolding x ray spectral data conditions and applications |
| topic | X-ray astronomy CCD observation Astronomy data reduction Spectroscopy |
| url | https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/ad86b8 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT seanjgunderson unfoldingxrayspectraldataconditionsandapplications AT davidphuenemoerder unfoldingxrayspectraldataconditionsandapplications |