Constellation-X Simulator
simx
Chandra image of Cas A
Simulated Constellation-X image of Cas A
The simx code simulates the Constellation-X SXT+XMS response to an input point source or FITS image (from Chandra, XMM-Newton, or other source) and model X-ray spectrum. The tool incorporates a model of the 15" HEW PSF calculated at 6 keV, and includes the predicted response and effective area of the 32x32 XMS microcalorimeter. The output is an OGIP-standard event file, which can be read by the ds9 image tool or used with the XSELECT or CIAO dmextract tools to create PHA spectrum files.
For bright sources, simx also estimates the number of counts which will have reduced resolution due to a 'deadtime'-like effects. However, at the moment no background is included, although plans are underway to include both non-X-ray background and cosmic X-ray background effects. In the future we also plan to include a vignetting contribution, and extend the PSF model to beyond 100", although neither of these effects are expected to be significant in most situations.
The code has been tested and runs on Linux and OS X systems. It will run on Solaris as well, although the compilation requires some extra steps; please contact the author for assistance.
Please use the links below for more information on installing and running simx.