Chandra Calibration Database Version 3.x.x

Introduction: Header Keywords; Directory Structure; Indexing System; Versioning
Download the CALDB: Download Version 3.5.5; Release Notes
Caveats for the Chandra CALDB: ACIS N0005 Responses Suite Caveat
Querying the CALDB
Calibration Data
Proposal Planning
References
CXC Links: CIAO 3.4 (Data Analysis)
Site Map

Analysis Notes

Matching CIAO and CALDB Versions

CALDB 3.5.5 should not be used unless you are running CIAO 3.4.

Please consider using latest CIAO and CalDB versions!

News

18 Sep 2009 [New]

CalDB 3.5.5 an upgrade for the CIAO 3.4 CalDB from any previous version, which includes the latest ACIS T_GAIN epoch updates, has been released to the public. See the CalDB 3.5.5 Release Notes for details.

13 Jul 2009

CalDB 3.5.4 an upgrade for the CIAO 3.4 CalDB from any previous version, which includes the latest ACIS T_GAIN epoch updates, has been released to the public. See the CalDB 3.5.4 Release Notes for details.

01 Apr 2009

CalDB 3.5.3 an upgrade for the CIAO 3.4 CalDB from any previous version, which includes the latest ACIS T_GAIN epoch updates, has been released to the public. See the CalDB 3.5.3 Release Notes for details.

29 Jan 2009

CalDB 3.5.2, and upgrade for the CIAO 3.4 CalDB for any earlier version of CalDB 3.x.x, has been released. It includes upgrades to the HRMA Axial Effective Area, and an incumbent upgrade to the HETG Grating Efficiencies file. See the CalDB 3.5.2 Release Notes for details.

This CalDB page is only for CIAO 3.4 users!!!

CIAO 4.1+ users should proceed to the CalDB4 web page!

The Chandra X-Ray Center introduced version 3.5.5 of the Chandra Calibration Database (CALDB) on 18 SEP 2009.

CALDB 3.5.5 is a cumulative upgrade to CalDB 3.5.x or earlier versions; It includes the following:

ACIS T_GAIN Epoch 38 (May through Jul 2009).

See details in the link CalDB 3.5.5 Release Notes.

The CALDB is the directory and indexing structure that stores and provides access to all calibration files that are required for standard processing and analysis.

These files are used for analysis with software package CIAO. When you apply a gain map, create an exposure map, or build response files (RMFs and ARFs) - among many other things - you are using the Chandra CALDB to apply the necessary calibration files.

NOTE: CalDB 3.5.x is no longer used in standard processing, as of 02 July 2009, with the installation of DS software version DS8.0. With that installation, the SDP CalDB has switched to Version 4.1.3 and later versions.

The CALDB serves many functions:

Storing and archiving calibration files.

Maintaining a naming convention and header structure for all calibration files.

Indexing calibration data, based on FITS header keywords, for software access.

Permitting updates of calibration data independent of software updates, while maintaining configuration control.

Providing a traceable history of calibration data in the database by maintaining versioning.

Translating calibration products into formats suitable for processing and/or analysis.

These webpages contain information about each of these topics. They are also designed to help you (or your system manager) understand how the CALDB is assembled and how it works in the Chandra software system.

Please email the CXC Helpdesk with any questions or comments on the CALDB and this website.