Devika Divakar
Papers
1
Total Citations
7
H-Index
1
About
Devika Divakar is an instrumental astronomer whose work is central to the design of next-generation ground-based observatories. Her primary research focuses on the development of high-performance spectrographs, particularly for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), where she has made pivotal contributions to the Wide Field Optical Spectrometer (WFOS) project. Divakar led the critical trade study comparing slicer and fiber-based instrument concepts, a foundational analysis that shaped the final design of this first-light instrument. Her work directly addresses the challenge of achieving a minimum spectral resolution of R~5,000 over a broad simultaneous wavelength range, ensuring WFOS will deliver transformative multi-object spectroscopy when it begins operations in 2027. While her most cited paper, "WFOS instrument trade study: slicer vs. fiber instrument concept designs and results" (2018), has garnered 7 citations, its influence extends beyond raw numbers, as it serves as a key reference for the TMT engineering team and the broader astronomical instrumentation community. Divakar’s meticulous approach to instrument optimization places her at the forefront of enabling the next generation of astronomical discovery, bridging the gap between conceptual design and operational reality for one of the world’s most anticipated telescopes.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1