Contact Information

Research Interests

• Specializing in astronomical imaging and software technologies:
  • Data-reduction pipeline development, principally using PyRAF and IRAF
  • Crowded-field photometry and astrometry
  • Deconvolution methods, especially for HST images
  • Image simulation using realistic instrumental and astrophysical inputs
  • Applications of high cadence imaging and spectroscopy to variability studies, and to post-exposure image sharpening/lucky imaging
  • Multi-wavelength astrometry for counterpart detection
  • Imaging Photon-counter characterization and usage, including MAMA and L3-CCD detectors
  • Exposure Time Calculator development for imaging instruments, with full T(lambda) propagation
  • Design of custom filters for wide-field spectrophotometry

• These methods are applied in the study of various objects, principally:
  
  • Globular star cluster populations and dynamics
  • Variable stars, from cluster RR Lyrae types to nearby ultra-cool dwarfs
  • Optical pulsars & associated supernova remnants 

You'll find more on my research in the Star Clusters and Variability and Ultra-Cool Stars group pages; I lead the former and am an active member of the latter.

Key/recent publications

• Butler R. F., Sheehan B., "The superiority of L3-CCDs in the high-flux and wide dynamic range regimes", 2008, in AIP Conf. Proc. Vol. 984, "High Time Resolution Astrophysics: The Universe at Sub-Second Timescales", pp 168 - 177
• Lane C., Hallinan G., Zavala R. T., Butler R. F., Boyle R. P., Bourke S., Antonova A., Doyle J. G., Vrba F. J., Golden A., 2007, "Rotational Modulation of M/L Dwarfs due to Magnetic Spots", Astrophysical Journal, 668, L133
• Sheehan B., Lane C., Butler R., 2006, "Performance modeling and development of an L3-CCD camera system for high cadence imaging with maximum efficiency", in Proc. SPIE Vol. 6265, "Space Telescopes and Instrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter", eds. J. C. Mather, H. A. MacEwen, M. W. M. de Graauw, p 133
• Sheehan B., Lane C., Butler R., 2006, "An Exposure Time Calculator and Image Simulation Suite for any Ground-based Telescope & Camera", ASP Conf. Series 351, Proc. ADASS XV, eds. C. Gabriel, C. Arbiset, D. Ponz, E. Solano, p 581
• Butler R. F., Forde K., 2004, "Data reduction and analysis pipelines: the simple approach for the xFOSC family of instruments", in Proc. SPIE Vol. 5493, "Optimizing Scientific Return for Astronomy through Information Technologies", eds. P. J. Quinn, A. Bridger, p 502
• O'Tuairisg S., Butler R., Shearer A., Redfern R., Butler D., Penny A., TRIFFID observations of the cores of the three globular clusters M15, M92 and NGC 6712", 2003, Monthly Notices of Royal Astronomical Society, 345, 960
• Butler R. F., Golden A., Shearer A., "Detection of new Optical Counterpart candidates to PSR B1951 32 with HST/WFPC2'', 2002, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 395, 845
• Golden A., Butler R. F., Shearer A., "A search for the optical counterpart to PSR B1821-24 in M28'', 2001, Astronomy & Astrophysics, 371, 198
• Butler R. F., Shearer A., Redfern R. M., Colhoun M., O'Kane P., Penny A. J., Morris P. W., Griffiths W. K., Cullum M., "TRIFFID Photometry of Globular Cluster Cores. I. Photometric Techniques and Variable Stars in M15", 1998, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 296, 379

Teaching responsibilities

• Lecturing:
  • PH223 Observational Astronomy [previous code AT201/PH221]
  • PH363 Astronomical Data Analysis [previous code AT302]
  • PH353 Electronic Systems & Signals [previous code EP353]

• Labs, practicals, undergraduate projects, essays: I design, supervise, and mark all the following:
  • 3rd Year Astronomy Field Trip: 5-10 nights observing and data analysis in IRAF at Loiano, Italy, as part of PH363
  • 3rd Year Astronomy Labs: 10 PH363 labs, and Lab Exam
  • 4th Year Astronomy Labs: 2 extended (1-3 weeks each) practicals, involving data analysis and use of the NUIG Imbusch Observatory on campus
  • 4th Year Physics Lab: 3-week Vacuum Technology experiment
  • 4th Year Astronomy/Physics Essays: typically 2 essays per year, conducted over Semester 1
  • 4th Year Astronomy/Physics Projects: typically 2 projects per year, conducted over Semester 2

• For completeness, here is additional stuff which I previously taught in the School of Physics!
  • CS102 Computer Science [the Computer Hardware component, 2002-2007]
  • PH103 Astronomy [the History of Astronomy component, 2009-2010]
  • EP214 Thermodynamics [2002-2004]
  • CS308 Computer Modelling [2002-2005]
  • 1st Year Physics Labs [2001-2002]
  • 1st Year Astronomy Labs [2001-2003]
  • 3rd Year Physics Labs [2001-2010]