Analysing ALMA data with CASA

D. Petry, ALMA Regional Centre, ESO, Garching

After the conclusion of the first observation cycle (officially named Early Science Cycle 0), the ALMA project can look back on a remarkably successful year of science observations and data observatory commissioning which culminated in a "First Science" conference at the end of 2012 and the official inauguration of the instrument at the beginning of 2013. Now, in April 2013, the first data for Cycle 1 is being taken while the commissioning of the more advanced features of the instrument continues.
The radio-astronomical data analysis package CASA has played a crucial role in this effort. This presentation describes the general features of CASA and how it was used at ALMA during Cycle 0 and the beginning of Cycle 1. In particular the data quality assurance work, which was exclusively carried out with CASA, and the lessons learned in the process will be reviewed.