XMM-Newton Science Analysis System: Users' Guide

4.1.2 The EPIC MOS Observation Data Files

The most relevant files for scientific analysis of a MOS observation are (depending on the observing mode) the imaging mode and/or the timing mode event list files together with the auxiliary file providing a detailed description of each frame recorded during the exposure. The structure of these files is described in the XMM-Newton Data Files Handbook. One imaging mode event list file is produced per CCD by the ``Full Frame'' and ``Partial Window'' instrumental modes. In the ``Partial Window'' mode, the imaging area of the central chip (CCD 1) is reduced to $100\times100$ (``Small Window'' mode) or $300\times300$ (``Large Window'' mode) pixels. In timing mode, the central chip collects spatial info only in one dimension (the X axis) whereas the Y axis is a measure of the detection time. The six surrounding CCDs always produce imaging mode event list files using the $600\times600$ pixel area.