Transforming Data into Insights: AI-Driven X-Ray Source Classification within the NADC Framework
The advent of AI has revolutionized the field of astronomy, particularly in the realm of time-domain astronomy. This talk focuses on the application of AI within the framework of the National Astronomical Data Center of China (NADC), which encompasses its data infrastructure and science platform. The NADC framework plays a pivotal role in converting raw astronomical data into valuable scientific insights. The Einstein Probe (EP) serves as a case study, exemplifying the integration of AI with the NADC framework to enhance the discovery and analysis of transients and variable sources. The Time Domain Information Center (TDIC) science platform within the NADC facilitates the application of AI for science and enabling the efficient handling and interpretation of vast datasets generated by astronomical satellites like the EP.
The core of this talk focuses on the development and implementation of a classification algorithm within the NADC framework. The algorithm, a Random Forest classifier, leverages features extracted from light curves, energy spectra, and spatial information to autonomously classify observed X-ray sources. Demonstrating remarkable accuracy rates of approximately 95% on EP simulation data and an impressive 98% on observational data from the EP pathfinder Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy (LEIA). The integration of this AI classifier into the data processing pipeline not only accelerates the manual validation process but also serves as a testament to the NADC's commitment to advancing scientific research through technological innovation. The talk concludes with an exploration of the implications of the most effective features for X-ray source classification and the broader application of these AI techniques to other X-ray telescope data, thereby setting the stage for future advancements in time-domain astronomy. By showcasing the successful application of AI within the NADC framework, this talk aims to inspire further integration of technologies in astronomical research, paving the way for new discoveries and a deeper understanding of the universe.