Summary

PRESTO is an open-source toolkit for pulsar search and analysis, primarily targeting astronomers and researchers. It efficiently identifies pulsars, particularly binary millisecond pulsars, and has been instrumental in discovering over 1500 pulsars, offering a robust solution for processing diverse astronomical data formats.

How It Works

Developed in ANSI C with Python extensions, PRESTO employs Fourier-domain techniques for acceleration and jerk searches (accelsearch), alongside single-pulse and phase-modulation search capabilities. Its architecture prioritizes portability, ease of use, and memory efficiency, handling data preparation (interference removal, de-dispersion) and candidate folding/optimization. Novel algorithms are detailed in cited publications.

Quick Start & Requirements

Installation involves cloning the repository (git clone git://github.com/scottransom/presto.git) and building. Key dependencies include GSL (Gnu Scientific Library). PRESTO supports PSRFITS, SIGPROC filterbank (various bit depths), and raw float time series formats. Older formats like WAPP, SPIGOT, and BCPM are deprecated; conversion via DSPSR or using the "classic" branch is recommended. Detailed installation instructions are in INSTALL.md, and a tutorial is available in the docs directory.

Highlighted Details

• Proven track record: discovered over 1500 pulsars, including ~500 recycled/binary systems.
• Broad data format support: handles raw data from major observatories like GBT (GUPPI, PUPPI) and Arecibo, as well as Parkes.
• Comprehensive analysis pipeline: includes tools for interference detection (rfifind), de-dispersion (prepdata), barycentering, and post-search candidate refinement.
• Specialized search methods: Fourier-domain acceleration/jerk searches and phase-modulation searches.

Maintenance & Community

Primarily maintained by Scott Ransom, with significant contributions from a large group of astronomers. Limited email support is available. Code contributions via pull requests are welcomed. Community engagement channels are not explicitly listed beyond email and GitHub.

Licensing & Compatibility

Released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2. This copyleft license may impose restrictions on linking with proprietary or closed-source software.

Limitations & Caveats

Documentation is noted as incomplete. Support is limited to email. Several older data formats are no longer directly supported, requiring external conversion tools or older code branches.