This section describes both the data format for all Gemini instruments, including GMOS, and the Gemini IRAF Package, which supports imaging, and long-slit, multi-object, and IFU data from both GMOS-N and GMOS-S.

• GMOS data format: Raw data
• GMOS data format: Processed data
• Generic Gemini data format
• Data Reduction: Gemini IRAF package

Raw data

The raw images from GMOS are MEF files with a PHU and one or more pixel extensions. Each of the three chips in the GMOS-N and GMOS-S original EEV arrays could be read out through one or two amplifiers (left and right). In the two-amplifier mode the output data file then contains 6 fits extensions (see diagram below). Each of the six image sections has an accompanying overscan region 32 pixels wide. In one-amp mode the data file contains three extensions, one per chip, again with a 32-pixel wide overscan section. The one-amplifier mode has been the most used for science applications with the original EEV detectors.

Binning: When pixel binning is used, the resulting datafile still contains overscan regions that are 32 samples wide.

Layout of GMOS-N detector array and structure of the output data file, when reading out in 6-amp mode, with unbinned pixels.

Layout of GMOS-N detector array and structure of the output data file, when reading out in 3-amp mode (using the 'best' three amps, R,R,L). Note the overscan regions are not in the same place for each chip.

Processed data from GMOS

Imaging data

As part of the data quality assessment most GMOS imaging data are processed as follows.

Subtraction of the overscan level
Subtraction of bias image
Correction for the differences in gain for the three detectors
Flat field correction
Mosaicing of the images from the three detectors into one image

After these processing steps the output image is a MEF file with a PHU and one pixel extension.

For observations that consist of several exposures at different dither positions, the images are registered and co-added. In the process of co-adding the images are cleaned for cosmic-ray-events and bad pixels, including the gaps between the detectors if the dither steps are of sufficient size. An example of a reduced co-added image is shown on the figure below.

A reduced and co-added GMOS imaging observation. For this observation a guide star was used inside the imaging field of view. Thus, the OIWFS is vignetting a small part of the field.