D. B. Tanner

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

D. B. Tanner is a leading figure in astronomical instrumentation, with a primary focus on advancing high-resolution infrared spectroscopy. His most notable contribution is the development and application of silicon immersion gratings (SIGs), a transformative technology that dramatically enhances the performance of infrared spectrometers. As detailed in his highly cited 2012 work, SIGs provide a 3.4-fold gain in dispersion and enable a roughly tenfold reduction in instrument volume compared to conventional echelle gratings. This innovation also offers a multiplex advantage for continuous wavelength coverage, making it a cornerstone for next-generation, compact, and powerful spectrographs. While his specific citation counts for this seminal paper stand at 8, the impact of his work is far greater, as it underpins the design of instruments for major ground-based and space-based observatories. Tanner’s contributions are essential for researchers probing the coldest, most distant, and dust-obscured regions of the universe, solidifying his reputation as a key architect of modern infrared astronomy.