R.A. Zacher, B. McNamara, L. David
SAO
A.H. MacKay
TRW/SAO
We are developing and integrating software to simulate the focal plane detectors, shutters and gratings for the Advanced X-ray Astrophysical Facility (AXAF). AXAF is the next generation of space based X-ray telescope which is scheduled for launch in 1998. It will offer unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution. The simulation software will be used for performance predictions during the the ground calibration and ultimately for on-orbit calibration. The path of x-ray photons is simulated from the exit of the telescope mirrors to the focal plane. Each major functional element of the telescope is represented by an independent module. Module execution and inter-module communication is accomplished within the Data System pipeline architecture. The software is written in C/UNIX and includes many Off-The-Shelf components. Detailed models were developed for the two focal plane instruments: ACIS (a CCD camera) and HRC (a Micro-Channel Plate detector). Realistic detector output files are generated in a variety of formats. The simulation is currently being used for planning calibration activities and for testing the analysis and telemetry software. Results of End-to-End simulations are presented and planned developments are discussed.