SPICE can operate in batch mode instead of on individual BCDs. In this mode, SPICE takes a list of BCD-, mask-, and uncertainty-file triplets as input, and it performs identical processing on all the files in the list.
1.4.1 Input
To extract spectra in Batch mode, begin by selecting Open Batch SPICE generic template from the File menu. Next, select from the menu of available batch modes (regular, optimal, extended source for hi-res or lo-res). When reading saved templates back into SPICE, the Batch templates must be read from the separated Batch option.
The parameters available for each module in batch mode are the same as in standard SPICE, but the Batch setup is slightly different. An input list of BCD triplets (where a “triplet” is a single associated set of data, uncertainty and mask files) must be either read in or created interactively. The Batch input list must be a three-column list of image-, bitmask-, and uncertainty-files. The list should be comma separated. The full path of each file must be given.
To run the Batch processing, press the single “stack” icon in the setup module; it will run the entire SPICE flow for the selected input files. SPICE will display the progress as a percentage of the total as processing occurs.
Note: Identical parameters will be used for the extraction of all sources in the Batch List.
1.4.2 Output
The output files of the batch processing are saved in subdirectories under the requested output file. The directories are numbered from 0 to n-1, in the order that they appear in the batch list.
1.4.3 New BCD tabs
When processing is complete, SPICE will offer a View Results button for each of the output directories. When viewed, a new tab will be created for that individual BCD. The settings for each BCD (for example the detected Ridge percentage) may be reviewed using the squares icon on the upper-right of each module window.
SPICE will show the results of Profile, Extract, and either Point Source Tune or Extended Source Tune in the plot window. Each input BCD will also be displayed in the FITS window, with the Ridge and extraction window overlays. All of the standard visualization tools are available.
Each new tab is also fully operational. The flow can be rewound to any of the modules and rerun for just that individual BCD. By default, the rerun outputs will still be directed to the Batch subdirectory. However, if Batch is rerun, the new tabs are not automatically updated until View Results is selected again.
