David Terrett

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

David Terrett is a key figure in the development of cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation, with his work centering on the design, assembly, and metrology of fibre-optic positioning systems for large-scale spectroscopic surveys. His most significant contribution lies in his leadership role in the final assembly and testing of the WEAVE fibre positioner, the critical component of the new wide-field spectroscopy facility for the William Herschel Telescope in La Palma. This complex system, which must accurately place 960 optical fibres for the spectrograph, represents a major engineering achievement. Terrett’s detailed overview of its metrology and final assembly (2020, 6 citations) documents the precision techniques required to achieve the sub-micron accuracy essential for modern multi-object spectroscopy. His work directly enables WEAVE’s transformative science, from galactic archaeology to cosmology, and underscores his expertise in the intricate mechanical and optical challenges of next-generation astronomical instruments.