Analysis of the XMM-Newton EPIC Background: Production of Background Maps and Event Files

Abstract

XMM-Newton background maps for the 3 EPIC instruments in their different instrument/mode/filter combinations and in several energy bands have been constructed using a superposition of many pointed observations. Event datasets for the different instrument/mode/filter combinations have also been constructed, with longer exposure times than previously created files. This document describes the construction of the background maps and event files, and their usage. Further details on how to obtain these background products, together with related software and these explanatory notes can be found at http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/xmm3/BGproducts.html

14 pages, 4 figures. Files are available from http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/xmm3/BGproducts.html