NMAGIC: Fast Parallel Implementation of a Chi-Squared-Made-to-Measure Algorithm for Modelling Observational Data

Abstract

We describe a made-to-measure algorithm for constructing N-particle models of stellar systems from observational data (Chi-Squared-M2M), extending earlier ideas by Syer and Tremaine. The algorithm properly accounts for observational errors, is flexible, and can be applied to various systems and geometries. We implement this algorithm in a parallel code NMAGIC and carry out a sequence of tests to illustrate its power and performance: (i) We reconstruct an isotropic Hernquist model from density moments and projected kinematics and recover the correct differential energy distribution and intrinsic kinematics. (ii) We build a self-consistent oblate three-integral maximum rotator model and compare how the distribution function is recovered from integral field and slit kinematic data. (iii) We create a non-rotating and a figure rotating triaxial stellar particle model, reproduce the projected kinematics of the figure rotating system by a non-rotating system of the same intrinsic shape, and illustrate the signature of pattern rotation in this model. From these tests we comment on the dependence of the results from Chi-Squared-M2M on the initial model, the geometry, and the amount of available data.