The algorithms used in the JWST Science Calibration Pipeline are the result of input from the instrument teams and a few mode specific working groups.

Algorithm decisions

Science calibration pipeline algorithms are reviewed and discussed in the JWST Calibration Working Group (CalWG) to ensure that the best possible algorithms are used. The overall goal of the CalWG is to adopt the best possible algorithms based on experience from previous missions and observatories (Hubble, Spitzer, ground-based observatories) and experience from the ground testing of JWST instruments. The membership of the JWST CalWG is composed of all members of the instrument teams and astronomical community that are interested in contributing to the effort of defining the best possible algorithms for JWST. After acceptance by the JWST CalWG, they are implemented in code by the Science Instrument Calibration Software Branch, with the JWST Data Management Systems WG (DMSWG) ensuring that the requested algorithms are implemented through extensive testing of the as-built science calibration pipeline.

Baseline version

The goal of the baseline version of the science calibration pipeline is to produce basic data reduction for all instruments and observing modes prior to launch. This has focused the efforts of the JWST CalWG to find algorithms for each step in the science calibration pipeline that will produce good quality science at launch while at the same time requiring reasonable computational resources.

Enhanced version

The enhanced version of the science calibration pipeline will produce the best quality data reductions. The enhanced algorithms for each step start with the baseline and are updated if and when there is a better algorithm. As a result, the enhanced version of the science calibration pipeline is a continuing goal, approached asymptotically, with continuing development of the calibration pipeline through the JWST mission.

Algorithms

The details of the algorithms are given by Stages of JWST Data Processing.