For downloading and general processing of your data, we strongly encourage the use of the Herschel Interactive Processing Environment (HIPE). This is a JAVA based system which is portable across many platforms (Mac, Linux, Windows). It is similar to IDL in that it can run user created scripts. Indeed the comparison to IDL is frequently used to describe both the good and not-so-good aspects of HIPE.
While all users are encouraged to read the Hipe Owner’s Guide, IDL users may be spefically interested in the IDL to HIPE mapping section.
By combining python style scripting with the object oriented approach to data handling, HIPE can be daunting to new users. Excellent legacy training video material, including instructions on using HIPE are found here. New users should start with the HIPE Quickstart guide.
The staff at NHSC has contributed extensively to HIPE, and are available to help any level of user with the use of this powerful data processing system. Feel free to contact us via the IRSA Helpdesk at any time.
HIPE lacks tools for detailed science analysis, so many users ultimately do export their HIPE-processed spectra to other tools. While NHSC does not directly support these tools, there is enough expertise in our group to offer some advice.
Cassis is a free spectrum analysis package that uses common line-lists and can perform full LTE and RADEX modeling of Herschel spectra. It can be run standalone or a Hipe Plugin XCLASS can also be used, and will be familiar to CLASS users because it also uses the GILDAS framework.
