T. A. Carroll

Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam

Papers

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About

T. A. Carroll is an astrophysicist whose research centers on stellar magnetic activity, starspot evolution, and high-resolution spectropolarimetry. Carroll’s most influential work examines spot dynamics on evolved stars, particularly red giants and RS CVn binaries. Their 2015 study on XX Triangulum (38 citations) tested whether solar-like linear spot decay occurs on other stars, directly linking spot decay rates to magnetic diffusivity—a key parameter governing activity cycles. This work provides critical observational constraints for dynamo models beyond the Sun. Carroll further advanced stellar surface imaging through time-series Doppler imaging of HD 208472 (18 citations), revealing how spots on this highly active binary system evolve over six-year cycles, coherent with photometric variations. Beyond observational studies, Carroll played a key role in developing PEPSI, the high-resolution spectropolarimeter for the Large Binocular Telescope (8 citations). This instrument, covering 384–913 nm at resolutions up to R=250,000, enables precise magnetic field measurements across the optical spectrum. Carroll’s contributions bridge stellar activity theory and cutting-edge instrumentation, offering students and researchers a model for combining detailed surface imaging with next-generation spectropolarimetric capabilities.