About

K. W. Hodapp is an observational astrophysicist and instrumentation specialist whose work bridges the study of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and the development of cutting-edge telescope facilities. His key research areas include reverberation mapping of AGN broad-line regions and dust tori, as well as the design and commissioning of advanced optical and near-infrared imagers. Hodapp’s major contributions include leading the three-year monitoring campaign of the Seyfert 1 galaxy PGC 50427, which precisely measured the size of its broad-line region and surrounding dust torus—a critical step in understanding AGN structure and black hole growth. This work, published in 2015, has garnered 23 citations. Equally impactful is his instrumental work: Hodapp played a central role in building and commissioning the 3KK multi-channel imager for the 2m-class Wendelstein Fraunhofer Telescope, enabling simultaneous optical and near-infrared observations with exceptional image quality. His papers on 3KK’s alignment and first results (20 citations) and its original design (10 citations) have become key references for observatory builders. Hodapp also contributed to a pioneering “green observatory” in the Chilean Atacama desert, powered entirely by renewable energy, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable astronomy. His combined expertise in AGN physics and instrument innovation makes him a notable figure in modern astrophysics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

4
H-Index
4
Papers
57
Total Citations
14
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
The broad-line region and dust torus size of the Seyfert 1 galaxy PGC 50427
23 citations · 2015
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2016 (2 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 29
🏛 Institutions: University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Hawaii System, University of Hawaii–West Oahu, Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy

Top Papers

  1. 1
    The broad-line region and dust torus size of the Seyfert 1 galaxy PGC 50427
    23 citations · 2015
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
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