Mr. Peter J. Young Profile

Peter J. Young

Software Engineering Consultant

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Area of Expertise:

Software Engineering , Instrument Control Systems , Software Architecture

Profile Summary

Peter is now a software engineering consultant having retired from the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA), ANU in 2018. At RSAA he was the Head of the Software Engineering Section for over 25 years. Peter obtained a Master of Software Engineering in 2007 from the ANU and previously a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) from ANU in 1980. He has over 40 years' experience developing software and leading teams in the scientific and engineering fields.

Publications (24)

Proceedings Article | 25 July 2024 Poster + Paper

Poster + Paper

Final integration and commissioning of the GHOST instrument control software

Peter Young, Edward Chapin, Tony Farrell, Jon Nielsen, Carlos Quiroz, Roque Ruiz-Carmona, Cristian Urrutia

Proceedings Volume 13101, 131014S (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3033014

KEYWORDS: Gemini Observatory, Equipment, Design, Spectrographs, Java, Cameras, Visualization, Software development, Device simulation, Control software

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Proceedings Article | 29 August 2022 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Final integration of the Gemini High-Resolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST) spectrograph

John Pazder, Alan McConnachie, Michael Ireland, Andre Anthony, John Bassett, Greg Burley, Edward Chapin, Vladimir Churilov, Adam Densmore, Jennifer Dunn, Tony Farrell, David Henderson, Brian Hoff, Jordan Lothrop, Scott Macdonald, Steve Margheim, Vladimir Reshetov, Ivan Wevers, Lewis Waller, Peter Young, Ross Zhelem

Proceedings Volume 12184, 121841D (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630715

KEYWORDS: Spectrographs, Gemini Observatory, Telescopes, Beam splitters, Spectral resolution

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Proceedings Article | 13 December 2020 Poster + Paper

Poster + Paper

Integration of the Gemini High-Resolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST) bench spectrograph

John Pazder, Alan McConnachie, Michael Ireland, Andre Anthony, John Bassett, Greg Burley, Edward Chapin, Vladimir Churilov, Adam Densmore, Jennifer Dunn, Tony Farrell, David Henderson, Brian Hoff, Sam Lambert, Jordan Lothrop, Scott MacDonald, Steve Margheim, Vladimir Reshetov, Ivan Wevers, Lewis Waller, Peter Young, Ross Zhelem

Proceedings Volume 11447, 1144743 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2561985

KEYWORDS: Spectrographs, Gemini Observatory, Integrated optics, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Observatories, Astronomical imaging, Astronomical telescopes, Telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 6 July 2018 Paper

Paper

Final design and assembly of the GHOST Cassegrain unit

Ross Zhelem, Vladimir Churilov, Yuriy Kondrat, Lewis Waller, Jon Lawrence, Michael Edgar, Gabriella Baker, Tony Farrel, Peter Young, Jon Nielsen, Slavko Mali, Rolf Muller, Urs Klauser, Naveen Pai, Michael Ireland, Andrew Sheinis, Gordon Robertson, Scott Case, Richard McDermid

Proceedings Volume 10702, 107026H (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313059

KEYWORDS: Prisms, Telescopes, Gemini Observatory, Spectrographs, Cameras, Servomechanisms, Control systems, Electronics

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Proceedings Article | 6 July 2018 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

GHOST instrument control software: a progress report

Jon Nielsen, Ian Price, Peter Young, Michael Ireland

Proceedings Volume 10707, 1070706 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313068

KEYWORDS: Optical fibers, Gemini Observatory, Cameras, Sensors, Spectrographs, Java, Calibration, Collision avoidance, Control systems, Astronomy

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Proceedings Article | 6 July 2018 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Design evolution of the Giant Magellan Telescope Integral Field Spectrograph, GMTIFS

R. Sharp, D. Adams, G. Bloxham, R. Boz, D. Bundy, D. Chandler, G. Gausachs, L. Gers, J. Hart, N. Herrald, J. Nielsen, E. O'Brien, C. Onken, I. Price, A. Vaccarella, C. Vest, P. Young

Proceedings Volume 10702, 107021V (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313010

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Adaptive optics, Imaging systems, Spectrographs, Optical benches, Iterated function systems, Wavefront sensors, Prototyping, Telescopes, Optical design

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Proceedings Article | 8 March 2017 Paper

Paper

The Gemini High-Resolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST)

Andrew Sheinis, Andre Anthony, Gabriella Baker, Gregory Burley, Vladimir Churilov, Michael Edgar, Michael Ireland, Yuriy Kondrat, John Pazder, Gordon Robertson, Peter Young, Ross Zhelem

Proceedings Volume 9908, 990817 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232231

KEYWORDS: Gemini Observatory, Spectrographs, Telescopes, Sensors, Cameras, Optical fiber cables, Mirrors, Calibration, Spectral resolution, Stars

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Proceedings Article | 9 August 2016 Paper

Paper

Avalanche photo diodes in the observatory environment: lucky imaging at 1-2.5 microns

A. Vaccarella, R. Sharp, M. Ellis, S. Singh, G. Bloxham, A. Bouchez, R. Conan, R. Boz, D. Bundy, J. Davies, B. Espeland, J. Hart, N. Herrald, M. Ireland, G. Jacoby, J. Nielsen, C. Vest, P. Young, B. Fordham, A. Zovaro

Proceedings Volume 9908, 99082X (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2231557

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Observatories, Imaging systems, Adaptive optics, Observatories, Imaging systems, Telescopes, Cryogenics, Avalanche photodetectors, Space telescopes, Electronics, Copper

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Proceedings Article | 9 August 2016 Paper

Paper

GMTIFS: The Giant Magellan Telescope integral fields spectrograph and imager

Rob Sharp, G. Bloxham, R. Boz, D. Bundy, J. Davies, B. Espeland, B. Fordham, J. Hart, N. Herrald, J. Nielsen, A. Vaccarella, C. Vest, P. Young, P. McGregor

Proceedings Volume 9908, 99081Y (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2231561

KEYWORDS: Spectrographs, Adaptive optics, Imaging systems, Iterated function systems, Telescopes, Sensors, Galactic astronomy, Mirrors, Stars, Cameras

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Proceedings Article | 26 July 2016 Paper

Paper

GHOST and GIAPI: experience using Gemini's new instrument control system framework

Peter Young, Jon Nielsen

Proceedings Volume 9913, 99132Q (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232235

KEYWORDS: Gemini Observatory, Gemini Observatory, Control systems, Software development, Spectrographs, Telescopes, Java, National Ignition Facility, Databases, Cameras, Instrument modeling

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Proceedings Article | 22 July 2016 Paper

Paper

GMTIFS: the adaptive optics beam steering mirror for the GMT integral-field spectrograph

J. Davies, G. Bloxham, R. Boz, D. Bundy, B. Espeland, B. Fordham, J. Hart, N. Herrald, J. Nielsen, R. Sharp, A. Vaccarella, C. Vest, P. Young

Proceedings Volume 9912, 991217 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2231560

KEYWORDS: Beam steering, Mirrors, Actuators, Sensors, Cryogenics, Stars, Adaptive optics, Spectrographs, Interferometry, Servomechanisms

Read Abstract +

To achieve the high adaptive optics sky coverage necessary to allow the GMT Integral-Field Spectrograph (GMTIFS) to access key scientific targets, the on-instrument adaptive-optics wavefront-sensing (OIWFS) system must patrol the full 180 arcsecond diameter guide field passed to the instrument. The OIWFS uses a diffraction limited guide star as the fundamental pointing reference for the instrument. During an observation the offset between the science target and the guide star will change due to sources such as flexure, differential refraction and non-sidereal tracking rates. GMTIFS uses a beam steering mirror to set the initial offset between science target and guide star and also to correct for changes in offset. In order to reduce image motion from beam steering errors to those comparable to the AO system in the most stringent case, the beam steering mirror is set a requirement of less than 1 milliarcsecond RMS. This corresponds to a dynamic range for both actuators and sensors of better than 1/180,000.

The GMTIFS beam steering mirror uses piezo-walk actuators and a combination of eddy current sensors and interferometric sensors to achieve this dynamic range and control. While the sensors are rated for cryogenic operation, the actuators are not. We report on the results of prototype testing of single actuators, with the sensors, on the bench and in a cryogenic environment. Specific failures of the system are explained and suspected reasons for them. A modified test jig is used to investigate the option of heating the actuator and we report the improved results. In addition to individual component testing, we built and tested a complete beam steering mirror assembly. Testing was conducted with a point source microscope, however controlling environmental conditions to less than 1 micron was challenging. The assembly testing investigated acquisition accuracy and if there was any un-sensed hysteresis in the system. Finally we present the revised beam steering mirror design based on the outcomes and lessons learnt from this prototyping.

Proceedings Article | 18 July 2014 Paper

Paper

The adaptive optics beam steering mirror for the GMT Integral-Field Spectrograph, GMTIFS

R. Sharp, R. Boz, J. Hart, G. Bloxham, D. Bundy, J. Davis, P. McGregor, J. Nielson, C. Vest, P. Young

Proceedings Volume 9151, 91510C (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2054835

KEYWORDS: Adaptive optics, Sensors, Mirrors, Stars, Electroluminescent displays, Computer programming, Beam steering, Spectrographs, Actuators, Wavefront sensors

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Proceedings Article | 8 July 2014 Paper

Paper

Progress on the Gemini High-Resolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST) design

Michael Ireland, Andre Anthony, Greg Burley, Eric Chisholm, Vladimir Churilov, Jennifer Dunn, Gabriella Frost, Jon Lawrence, David Loop, Peter McGregor, Sarah Martell, Alan McConnachie, Richard McDermid, John Pazder, Vlad Reshetov, J. Robertson, Andrew Sheinis, Julia Tims, Peter Young, Ross Zhelem

Proceedings Volume 9147, 91471J (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2057356

KEYWORDS: Spectrographs, Gemini Observatory, Cameras, Telescopes, Optical design, Stars, Sensors, Astronomy, Space telescopes, Control systems

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Proceedings Article | 24 September 2012 Paper

Paper

Using ODGWs with GSAOI: software and firmware implementation challenges

Peter Young, Peter McGregor, Jan van Harmelen, Benoît Neichel

Proceedings Volume 8451, 845124 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925273

KEYWORDS: Digital signal processing, Sensors, Gemini Observatory, Imaging systems, Stars, Infrared cameras, Real-time computing, Adaptive optics, Reflectivity, Signal processing

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Proceedings Article | 24 September 2012 Paper

Paper

The AAO's Gemini High-Resolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST) concept

Michael Ireland, Stuart Barnes, David Cochrane, Matthew Colless, Peter Connor, Anthony Horton, Steve Gibson, Jon Lawrence, Sarah Martell, Peter McGregor, Tom Nicolle, Kathryn Nield, David Orr, J. Robertson, Stuart Ryder, Andrew Sheinis, Greg Smith, Nick Staszak, Julia Tims, Pascal Xavier, Peter Young, Jessica Zheng

Proceedings Volume 8446, 844629 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925746

KEYWORDS: Spectrographs, Gemini Observatory, Microlens, Cameras, Spectral resolution, Astronomy, Observatories, Ultraviolet radiation, Telescopes, Point spread functions

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Proceedings Article | 24 September 2012 Paper

Paper

GMT integral-field spectrograph (GMTIFS) conceptual design

Peter McGregor, G. Bloxham, R. Boz, J. Davies, M. Doolan, M. Ellis, J. Hart, D. Jones, L. Luvaul, J. Nielsen, S. Parcell, R. Sharp, D. Stevanovic, P. Young

Proceedings Volume 8446, 84461I (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925259

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Iterated function systems, Imaging systems, Telescopes, Stars, Sensors, Spectrographs, Galactic astronomy, Adaptive optics, Atmospheric sciences

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Proceedings Article | 13 September 2012 Paper

Paper

GeMS first on-sky results

Franҫois Rigaut, Benoit Neichel, Maxime Boccas, Céline d'Orgeville, Gustavo Arriagada, Vincent Fesquet, Sarah Diggs, Claudio Marchant, Gaston Gausach, William Rambold, Javier Luhrs, Shane Walker, Eleazar Carrasco-Damele, Michelle Edwards, Peter Pessev, Ramon Galvez, Tomislav Vucina, Claudio Araya, Alejandro Gutierrez, Angelic Ebbers, Andrew Serio, Cristian Moreno, Cristian Urrutia, Rolando Rogers, Roberto Rojas, Chadwick Trujillo, Bryan Miller, Douglas Simons, Ariel Lopez, Vanessa Montes, Herman Diaz, Felipe Daruich, Felipe Colazo, Matthieu Bec, Gelys Trancho, Michael Sheehan, Peter McGregor, Peter Young, Matthew Doolan, Jan van Harmelen, Brent Ellerbroek, Damien Gratadour, Aurea Garcia-Rissmann

Proceedings Volume 8447, 84470I (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.927061

KEYWORDS: Stars, Adaptive optics, Point spread functions, Error analysis, Calibration, Gemini Observatory, Actuators, Turbulence, Image quality, Observatories

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Proceedings Article | 13 September 2012 Paper

Paper

Results from the commissioning of the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) at Gemini South Observatory

Eleazar Carrasco, Michelle Edwards, Peter McGregor, Cláudia Winge, Peter Young, Matthew Doolan, Jan van Harmelen, Francois Rigaut, Benoit Neichel, Gelys Trancho, Etienne Artigau, Peter Pessev, Felipe Colazo, Jennifer Tigner, Francesco Mauro, Javier Lührs, William Rambold

Proceedings Volume 8447, 84470N (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926240

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Gemini Observatory, Stars, Adaptive optics, Calibration, Telescopes, Imaging systems, Image filtering, Observatories, Image quality

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Proceedings Article | 19 July 2010 Paper

Paper

Instrument control software requirement specification for Extremely Large Telescopes

Peter Young, Mario Kiekebusch, Gianluca Chiozzi

Proceedings Volume 7740, 77403F (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857241

KEYWORDS: Software development, Databases, Control systems, Software frameworks, Gemini Observatory, Telecommunications, Data storage, Observatories, Data acquisition, Data communications

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Proceedings Article | 21 July 2008 Paper

Paper

Achieving design reuse: a case study

Peter Young, Jon Nielsen, William Roberts, Greg Wilson

Proceedings Volume 7019, 70192M (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.787698

KEYWORDS: Cameras, Telescopes, Human-machine interfaces, Gemini Observatory, Control systems, Sensors, Databases, Instrument modeling, National Ignition Facility, Imaging systems

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Proceedings Article | 21 July 2008 Paper

Paper

Implementation of the software systems for the SkyMapper automated survey telescope

A. Vaccarella, T. Preston, A. Czezowski, S. Keller, B. Schmidt, P. Young

Proceedings Volume 7019, 70192R (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.788450

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Control systems, Sensors, Domes, Data acquisition, Cameras, Databases, Data storage, Calibration, Astronomy

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Proceedings Article | 15 June 2006 Paper

Paper

Characterization and performance of HAWAII-2RG focal plane arrays for NIFS and GSAOI

Mark Waterson, Peter McGregor, Jan van Harmelen, Murray Dawson, Matthew Doolan, Peter Young

Proceedings Volume 6276, 62760N (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.672656

KEYWORDS: Sensors, National Ignition Facility, Amplifiers, Gemini Observatory, Adaptive optics, Telescopes, Image quality, Image filtering, Connectors, Signal detection

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Proceedings Article | 30 September 2004 Paper

Paper

Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI)

Peter McGregor, John Hart, Dejan Stevanovic, Gabe Bloxham, Damien Jones, Jan Van Harmelen, Jason Griesbach, Murray Dawson, Peter Young, Mark Jarnyk

Proceedings Volume 5492, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.550288

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Imaging systems, Gemini Observatory, Image sensors, Stars, Adaptive optics, Wavefronts, Lenses, Galactic astronomy, Relays

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Proceedings Article | 7 March 2003 Paper

Paper

Gemini near-infrared integral field spectrograph (NIFS)

Peter McGregor, John Hart, Peter Conroy, Murray Pfitzner, Gabe Bloxham, Damien Jones, Mark Downing, Murray Dawson, Peter Young, Mark Jarnyk, Jan Van Harmelen

Proceedings Volume 4841, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.459448

KEYWORDS: Sensors, National Ignition Facility, Spectrographs, Mirrors, Gemini Observatory, Stars, Cameras, Galactic astronomy, Spectral resolution, Adaptive optics

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Showing 5 of 24 publications

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