Far-ultraviolet COS observations are limited by XDL detector background noise.
The current COS calibration pipeline is not optimized for background
subtraction and the full scientific value of many datasets is not exploited.
We developed a dedicated pipeline that performs an optimal
background correction based on statistical methods.
See our PASP paper (Hernandez 2024)
and our dark pipeline,
ACDC
In order to accurately interpret spectral data of AGN across the observable
universe, spectral decomposition needs to be performed. There is no unified
approach to doing this as of yet. Our new AGN spectral modeling code,
SPAMM
(Spectral Properties of AGNs Modeled with MCMC),
aims to serve as a general purpose tool to model a variety of extragalactic
sources at a wide range of redshifts using a Bayesian approach.
See SPAMM on github
Using HST/STIS spectra, six hot subdwarfs straddling the Momany jump
at ~20,000K were observed in program
14759. In addition to performing normal calibration, I also developed
a custom calibration routine and developed a new CR-rejection algorithm
for STIS data since the default task was insufficient.
See our ApJ paper (Brown 2017)
Spectra of three "knots" embedded in the core of the brightest cluster
galaxy in Abell 2261 were imaged using HST/STIS to test
whether any of them represented stars bound to a displaced massive black hole
(program 14046).
These spectra were low S/N, so careful calibration was needed to provide
the best products for analysis. CTI-, Herringbone-, and fringe-corrections were all necessary to obtain robust results.
See our ApJ paper (Burke-Spolaor 2017)