Mask design file refers to a file which describes a slitmask. A single mask design file is associated with a slitmask design and is used for mask fabrication, mask alignment at the telescope, automated spectral reductions, and archiving. The mask design file is a text file so that it may be edited by the user. There will also be automated target selection options. All inputs and outputs will be in celestial coordinates.
Output is a target list in the same format as the input list.
The exact list of options for this program may grow with time. Target selection can be extended to include, for example, selecting specific slit lengths based on magnitude, etc. In addition, slit lengths will be automatically extended to use non-assigned regions of the mask, or shortened to avoid overlap. All slit length adjustments will be reported. The output mask design file will generally be sent to Keck for mask fabrication.