2. Main changes since AO2

This page is to summarize the main changes to the technical guide since the last AO. Please note that this should not prevent the user to read carefully the new version of the guide as most of the numbers for simulations purposes have changed. These changes are not included here because they are part of the "standard" update of the guide.

1. Total time available for observations to the community is now 12038 ks instead of 11722 ks. The distribution of time between the different communities (Japan, US, European) remains unchanged.

2. In AO-3, we introduce the new category of Long program (L). This category is designed for projects requiring between 300 ks and 1 Ms to maximize the scientific return from Suzaku by encouraging long exposure of single objects, mapping of diffuse objects or other large programs. The data from long program observations will be open to public immediately. In the review process, Long program proposals will be treated slightly differently, including a longer page limit for the scientific justification (8 pages instead of 4).

3. XIS 2 is no longer operational. The simulations for observation time estimation should take this fact into account.

4. High voltage is different across the PIN detector. Bias of a half of them are put to 400 V while the rest remains at 500 V. The low energy threshold was also changed for noise reduction, with small effect of reducing the apparent effective area around 10 keV. Both effects are properly handled in the current (rev2.0) data and the files prepared for simulation.

5. XIS 1/8 window mode is not recommended. (ie although possible, this mode is not supported and there are no plans to support it in the foreseeable future).

6. XIS timing mode for XIS 0 and XIS 3 is not recommended. (ie although possible, this mode is not supported and there are no plans to support it in the foreseeable future).
   Please note that XIS timing mode for XIS 1 is forbidden.