Yaxx - Automated X-ray Data Processing and Spectral Extraction
Tom Aldcroft (SAO)
Yaxx is a software package that can greatly facilitate batch processing of X-ray data. It includes automated spectral extraction, fitting, and report generation. The primary emphasis is on having an easily used tool that can be run without requiring an extensive learning curve. However, for those with the motivation, yaxx is highly configurable and can be customized to support complex analysis. Yaxx has been used extensively with Chandra data and a thread for XMM processing is also available. A modular software design allows for multi-mission support and user customization of the data processing flow. Recent work has focused on thread development, including a comprehensive Chandra analysis thread that starts from ACIS level-1 products and finishes with a flux-calibrated source list. Yaxx is not only intended for X-ray data - it provides a way to easily generate pipelines to automate general data processing tasks, with an infrastructure that provides robust logging, reporting, and error handling.