Tom Ingerson

CTIO Scientific Staff


Areas of Interest

Astronomical Instrumentation, Optics, Spectroscopy, Fiber Optics, Electronics, Computer Networking

Recent Research Results

Ingerson is a Support Scientist whose work consists of developing and improving the instruments CTIO needs to maintain itself as a world-class facility with state-of-the-art equipment. In recent years, he has supervised the design, construction and installation of a fiber-fed, multiple object spectrograph, Argus, and a Prime Focus Atmospheric Dispersion Correction optical system for the Blanco 4-m telescope. He has also implemented a bench-mounted echelle spectrograph for the 1.5-m telescope and a new system of stand- alone control for motors and other peripherals, which is gradually replacing the old control systems on all telescopes. For several years, he acted as project manager for the CTIO CCD Control system, Arcon, and is now playing a major role in the thrust to build for CTIO an upgraded version of the second- generation multiple object spectrograph, Hydra, which is now in use at the WIYN telescope on Kitt Peak.

Future Research Plans

Currently Ingerson is on sabbatical leave at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, BC and is using this opportunity to prepare himself to aid CTIO in integrating itself with the Gemini project. This is the planned thrust of much of his activity for the next few years. While at the DAO, he has participated on Review Committees for the Gemini Multiple Object Spectrograph (GMOS) and the High Resolution Optical Spectrograph (HROS), which are the two primary Gemini optical instruments. He has also been working with the Canadian Astronomical Data Center (CADC) in Victoria, which is writing the Gemini Data Handling System (DHS). This is because of his interest in high speed communications and the smooth flow of astronomical data and commands between observer and telescope. He plans to continue active participation in all these projects as part of the effort to help CTIO make a smooth transition to a well- integrated Tololo-Pachon (Gemini) observatory system.

Service

Ingerson's position is primarily one of service to the observatory rather than personal research. His job is to design and support instruments and to teach observers to use them. Observatory-wide, instruments must be integrated into systems that are reliable and maintainable. This is an especially challenging task with the limited resources available today. Old instruments need to be supported and astronomers educated on their use, while they are being replaced, upgraded, or phased out as appropriate. Reliable, well-integrated communication needs to be provided between all systems. All these areas are within Ingerson's expertise and are tasks in which he invests large fractions of his time. Finally, users must have the tools available to learn how to use instruments and prepare themselves as well as possible for an observing run in advance. For this purpose, Ingerson also acts as the supervisor of the CTIO Internet site which is now the primary method by which instruction and documentation is passed to prospective observers.


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Posted: 06Dec1996