Workshop on Fermi Data Analysis

The goal of the workshop is to introduce the participants to the analysis of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) data through hands-on sessions. The LAT, onboard the Fermi satellite, is the most sensitive gamma-ray instrument in the GeV range. In the last 4 years, the LAT has revolutionized gamma-ray astronomy.

The workshop will take place at KIAA-PKU, from August 16-17, 2012. The workshop is divided in two days, the first dedicated to a broad overview of LAT data analysis, while the second will focus on more specific topics. The morning sessions will provide background material, while the afternoons will be dedicated to hands-on analyses. Some of the topics covered in the first day will be:

• a general introduction to the LAT: science highlights, instrument, and data products

• a step-by-step example of quick-look analysis

• a detailed dive into likelihood techniques, the core of most LAT data analyses

Some of the topics covered in the second day will be:

• a general introduction to gamma-ray pulsar results and techniques

• a step-by-step example of pulsar search and timing using LAT data

• phase resolved analysis, with a particular attention to the Crab flares

The list of topics in the agenda is flexible and will be subject to modification based on the feedback received in the course of the workshop.

A general outline of the program: The idea would be to have morning sessions where we "lecture" to the students, and afternoon sessions where the students work on the analysis on their laptops;

Lecturers: Drs Pablo Saz Parkinson & Andrea (Mario) Belfiore (University of California at Santa Cruz)

The morning sessions will be structured in lectures and step-by-step examples. Here are the topics we plan to cover in the first day:

• Fermi, the LAT, and gamma-ray astronomy

• Some highlights of Fermi science

• LAT data: access, formats, tools, ancillary products, documentation

• Step-by-step quick-look analysis: data selection, maps, source detection, light curves

• Likelihood analysis: theoretical background, practical example, spectral analysis, residual mapsHere is a list of topics we plan to cover in the second day:

• Gamma-ray pulsars: results, techniques, multi-wavelength connection

• Pulsar detection: event selection, barycentering, folding, periodicity tests

• Gamma-ray pulsar timing: tools and techniques

• Step-by-step example of pulsar detection and timing

• Phase-resolved analysis: application to the flares from the Crab nebula

Other topics can be addressed on direct request from the participants at the workshop.

The afternoon sessions will be dedicated to hands-on activities connected to the material presented in the morning sessions.

In the next weeks we will provide a list of software packages and datasets that will be used at the workshop. The students are expected to have the software installed on their machines, to be fully operational in the hands-on sessions.