Engineering topics

Janson, Markus

Publications and source records attributed to Janson, Markus.

16 records

DOE OSTI2020

Spitzer Variability Properties of Low-gravity L Dwarfs

We present Spitzer Space Telescope variability monitoring observations of three low-gravity L dwarfs with previous detections of variability in the near-IR: 2MASS J0045+16, 2MASS J0501–00, and 2MASS J1425–36. We detect significant periodic variability in two of our targets, 2MASS J0045+16 and 2MASS J0501–00. We do not detect variability in 2MASS J1425–36. Combining our new rotation periods with rotational velocities, we calculate inclination angles of 22° ± 1°, 60{sub -8}{sup +13°}, and 52{sub -13}{sup +19°} for 2MASS J0045+16, 2MASS J0501–00, and 2MASS J1425–36, respectively. Our three new objects are consistent with the tentative relations between inclination, amplitude, and color anomaly previously reported. Objects with the highest variability amplitudes are inclined equator on, while the maximum observed amplitude decreases as the inclination angle decreases. We also find a correlation between the inclination angle and (J–K){sub 2MASS} color anomaly for the sample of objects with measured inclinations. Compiling the entire sample of brown dwarfs with Spitzer variability detections, we find no enhancement in amplitude for young, early-L dwarfs compared to the field dwarf population. We find a possible enhancement in amplitude of low-gravity late-L dwarfs at 4.5 μm. We do not find a correlation between amplitude ratio and spectral type for field dwarfs or for the young population. Finally, we compile the rotation periods of a large sample of brown dwarfs with ages 1 Myr–1 Gyr and compare the rotation rates predicted by evolutionary models assuming angular momentum conservation. We find that the rotation rates of the current sample of brown dwarfs fall within the expected range set by evolutionary models and breakup limits.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS2018

SCExAO/CHARIS Near-Infrared Direct Imaging, Spectroscopy, and Forward-Modeling of κ and b: A Likely Young, Low-Gravity Superjovian Companion

We present SCExAO/CHARIS high-contrast imaging/JHK integral ﬁeld spectroscopy of κ And b, a directly imaged low-mass companion orbiting a nearby B9V star. We detect κ And b at a high signal-to-noise ratio and extract high-precision spectrophotometry using a new forward-modeling algorithm for (A-)LOCI complementary to KLIP-FM developed by Pueyo et al. κ And b’s spectrum best resembles that of a low-gravity L0–L1 dwarf (L0–L1γ). Its spectrum and luminosity are very well matched by 2MASS J0141-4633 and several other 12.5–15 M(sub J) free-ﬂoating members of the 40 Myr old Tuc–Hor Association, consistent with a system age derived from recent interferometric results for the primary, a companion mass at/near the deuterium-burning limit (13(sup +12, sub -2) M(sub J)), and a companion-to-primary mass ratio characteristic of other directly imaged planets (q ∼ 0.005(sup +0.005, sub -0.001)). We did not unambiguously identify additional, more closely orbiting companions brighter and more massive than κ And b down to ρ ∼ 0".3 (15 au). SCExAO/CHARIS and complementary Keck/NIRC2 astrometric points reveal clockwise orbital motion. Modeling points toward a likely eccentric orbit: a subset of acceptable orbits include those that are aligned with the star’s rotation axis. However, κ And b’s semimajor axis is plausibly larger than 55 au and in a region where disk instability could form massive companions. Deeper high-contrast imaging of κ And and low-resolution spectroscopy from extreme adaptive optics systems such as SCExAO/CHARIS and higher-resolution spectroscopy from Keck/OSIRIS or, later, IRIS on the Thirty Meter Telescope could help to clarify κ And b’s chemistry and whether its spectrum provides an insight into its formation environment.

Currie, Thayne↗

NASA NTRS2018

Subaru/HiCIAO HK(sub S) Imaging of LKHa 330: Multi-Band Detection of the Gap and Spiral-Like Structures

We present H- and K s-bands observations of the LkHα 330 disk with a multi-band detection of the large gap and spiral-like structures. The morphology of the outer disk (r ~ 0."3) at PA = 0°–45° and PA° = 180–290° is likely density wave-induced spirals, and comparison between our observational results and simulations suggests a planet formation. We have also investigated the azimuthal profiles at the ring and the outer-disk regions as well as radial profiles in the directions of the spiral-like structures and semimajor axis. Azimuthal analysis shows a large variety in wavelength and implies that the disk has non-axisymmetric dust distributions. The radial profiles in the major-axis direction (PA = 271°) suggest that the outer region (r ≥ 0."25) may be influenced by shadows of the inner region of the disk. The spiral-like directions (PA = 10° and 230°) show different radial profiles, which suggests that the surfaces of the spiral-like structures are highly flared and/or have different dust properties. Finally, a color map of the disk shows a lack of an outer eastern region in the H-band disk, which may hint at the presence of an inner object that casts a directional shadow onto the disk.

H- and Ks-bands observations↗

NASA NTRS2018

High-Contrast Polarimetry Observation of the T Tau Circumstellar Environment

We conducted high-contrast polarimetry observations of T Tau in the H-band, using the High Contrast Instrument for the Subaru Next Generation Adaptive Optics instrument mounted on the Subaru Telescope, revealing structures as near as 0farcs1 from the stars T Tau N and T Tau S. The whole T Tau system is found to be surrounded by nebula-like envelopes, and several outflow-related structures are detected in these envelopes. We analyzed the detailed polarization patterns of the circumstellar structures near each component of this triple young star system and determined constraints on the circumstellar disks and outflow structures. We suggest that the nearly face-on circumstellar disk of T Tau N is no larger than 0".8, or 117 au, in the northwest, based on the existence of a hole in this direction, and no larger than 0".27, or 40 au, in the south. A new structure, "N5," extends to about 0."42, or 59 au, southwest of the star, and is believed to be part of the disk. We suggest that T Tau S is surrounded by a highly inclined circumbinary disk with a radius of about 0."3, or 44 au, with a position angle of about 30°, that is misaligned with the orbit of the T Tau S binary. After analyzing the positions and polarization vector patterns of the outflow-related structures, we suggest that T Tau S should trigger the well-known E–W outflow, and is also likely to be responsible for a southwest precessing outflow "coil" and a possible south outflow.

Yang, Yi↗

NASA NTRS2017

The Fundamental Stellar Parameters of FGK Stars in the SEEDS Survey Norman, OK 73071, USA

Large exoplanet surveys have successfully detected thousands of exoplanets to-date. Utilizing these detections and non-detections to constrain our understanding of the formation and evolution of planetary systems also requires a detailed understanding of the basic properties of their host stars. We have determined the basic stellar properties of F, K and G stars in the Strategic Exploration of Exoplanets and Disks with Subaru (SEEDS) survey from Echelle spectra taken at the Apache Point Observatory's 3.5m telescope. Using ROBOSPECT to extract line equivalent widths and Temperature Gravity microtrubulent Velocity ITerations to calculate the fundamental parameters, we have computed T(sub eff), log(g), v(sub t), [Fe/H], chromospheric activity and the age for our sample. Our methodology was calibrated against previously published results for a portion of our sample. The distribution of [Fe/H] in our sample is consistent with that typical of the Solar neighbourhood. Additionally, we find the ages of most of our sample are less than 500 Myr, but note that we cannot determine robust ages from significantly older stars via chromospheric activity age indicators. The future meta-analysis of the frequency of wide stellar and sub-stellar companions imaged via the SEEDS survey will utilize our results to constrain the occurrence of detected comoving companions with the properties of their host stars.

Strategic Exploration of Exoplanets and Disks with↗

NASA NTRS2017

Subaru SCExAO First-Light Direct Imaging of a Young Debris Disk around HD 36546

We present H-band scattered light imaging of a bright debris disk around the A0 star HD 36546 obtained from the Subaru Coronagraphic Extreme Adaptive Optics (SCExAO) system with data recorded by the HiCIAO camera using the vector vortex coronagraph. SCExAO traces the disk from r approximately 0 3 to r approximately 0".3 to r approximately 1" (34-114 au). The disk is oriented in a near east west direction (PA approximately 75deg), is inclined by I approximately 70deg-75deg, and is strongly forward-scattering(g greater than 0.5). It is an extended disk rather than a sharp ring; a second, diffuse dust population extends from the disks eastern side. While HD 36546 intrinsic properties are consistent with a wide age range (t approximately 1-250 Myr), its kinematics and analysis of coeval stars suggest a young age (310 Myr) and a possible connection to Taurus-Aurigas star formation history. SCExAOs planet-to-star contrast ratios are comparable to the first-light Gemini Planet Imager contrasts; for an age of 10 Myr, we rule out planets with masses comparable to HR 8799 b beyond a projected separation of 23 au. A massive icy planetesimal disk or an unseen super-Jovian planet at r greater than 20 au may explain the disks visibility. The HD 36546 debris disk may be the youngest debris disk yet imaged, is the first newly identified object from the now-operational SCExAO extreme AO system, is ideally suited for spectroscopic follow-up with SCExAO/CHARIS in 2017, and may be a key probe of icy planet formation and planet disk interactions.

Subaru Coronagraphic Extreme Adaptive Optics (SCEx↗

NASA NTRS2017

Radial decoupling of small and large dust grains in the transitional disk RX J1615.3-3255

We present H-band (1.6 micron) scattered light observations of the transitional disk RX J1615.3-3255, located in the approx. 1 Myr old Lupus association. From a polarized intensity image, taken with the HiCIAO instrument of the Subaru Telescope, we deduce the position angle and the inclination angle of the disk. The disk is found to extend out to 68 +/- 12 AU in scattered light and no clear structure is observed. Our inner working angle of 24 AU does not allow us to detect a central decrease in intensity similar to that seen at 30 AU in the 880 m continuum observations. We compare the observations with multiple disk models based on the spectral energy distribution (SED) and submm interferometry and find that an inner rim of the outer disk at 30 AU containing small silicate grains produces a polarized intensity signal which is an order of magnitude larger than observed. We show that a model in which the small dust grains extend smoothly into the cavity found for large grains is closer to the actual H-band observations. A comparison of models with different dust size distributions suggests that the dust in the disk might have undergone significant processing compared to the interstellar medium.

HiCIAO instrument↗

NASA NTRS2016

Near-Infrared Imaging Polarimetry of Inner Region of GG Tau A Disk

By performing non-masked polarization imaging with Subaru HiCIAO, polarized scattered light from the inner region of the disk around the GGTau A system was successfully detected in the H band, with a spatial resolution of approximately0 07, revealing the complicated inner disk structures around this young binary. This paper reports the observation of an arc-like structure to the north of GG Tau Ab, and part of a circumstellar structure that is noticeable around GG Tau Aa, extending to a distance of approximately 28 au from the primary star. The speckle noise around GG Tau Ab constrains its disk radius to 13 au. Based on the size of the circumbinary ring and the circumstellar disk around GG Tau Aa, these mimajor axis of the binary's orbit is likely to be 62 au. A comparison of the present observations with previous Atacama Large Millimeter Array and near-infrared H2 emission observations suggests that the north arc could be part of a large streamer flowing from the circumbinary ring to sustain the circumstellar disks. According to the previous studies,the circumstellar disk around GG Tau Aa has enough mass and can sustain itself for a duration sufficient for planet formation; thus, our study indicates that planets can form within close (separation 100 au) young binary systems.

non-masked polarization imaging↗

NASA NTRS2016

Spiral Structure and Differential Dust Size Distribution in the LkH(alpha) 330 Disk

Dust trapping accelerates the coagulation of dust particles, and, thus, it represents an initial step toward the formation of planetesimals. We report H-band (1.6 microns) linear polarimetric observations and 0.87 mm interferometric continuum observations toward a transitional disk around LkH(alpha) 330. As a result, a pair of spiral arms were detected in the H-band emission, and an asymmetric (potentially arm-like) structure was detected in the 0.87 mm continuum emission. We discuss the origin of the spiral arm and the asymmetric structure and suggest that a massive unseen planet is the most plausible explanation. The possibility of dust trapping and grain growth causing the asymmetric structure was also investigated through the opacity index (beta) by plotting the observed spectral energy distribution slope between 0.87 mm from our Submillimeter Array observation and1.3 mm from literature. The results imply that grains are indistinguishable from interstellar medium-like dust in the east side (beta = 2.0 +/- 0.5) but are much smaller in the west side beta = 0.7+0.5 -0.4, indicating differential dust size distribution between the two sides of the disk. Combining the results of near-infrared and submillimeter observations, we conjecture that the spiral arms exist at the upper surface and an asymmetric structure resides in the disk interior. Future observations at centimeter wavelengths and differential polarization imaging in other bands (Y-K) with extreme AO imagers are required to understand how large dust grains form and to further explore the dust distribution in the disk.

polarimetric observations↗

NASA NTRS2016

A Resolved Near-Infrared Image of the Inner Cavity in the GM Aur Transitional Disk

We present high-contrast H-band polarized intensity (PI) images of the transitional disk around the young solar like star GM Aur. The near-infrared direct imaging of the disk was derived by polarimetric differential imaging using the Subaru 8.2 m Telescope and HiCIAO. An angular resolution and an inner working angle of 0 07 and radius approximately 0 05, respectively, were obtained. We clearly resolved a large inner cavity, with a measured radius of 18+/ 2 au, which is smaller than that of a submillimeter interferometric image (28 au). This discrepancy in the cavity radii at near-infrared and submillimeter wavelengths may be caused by a 34M(sub Jup) planet about 20 au away from the star, near the edge of the cavity. The presence of a near-infrared inner cavity is a strong constraint on hypotheses for inner cavity formation in a transitional disk. A dust filtration mechanism has been proposed to explain the large cavity in the submillimeter image, but our results suggest that this mechanism must be combined with an additional process. We found that the PI slope of the outer disk is significantly different from the intensity slope obtained from HSTNICMOS, and this difference may indicate the grain growth process in the disk.

high-contrast H-band polarized intensity (PI)↗

NASA NTRS2016

A Substellar Companion to Pleiades HII 3441

We find a new substellar companion to the Pleiades member star, Pleiades HII 3441, using the Subaru telescope with adaptive optics. The discovery is made as part of the high-contrast imaging survey to search for planetary-mass and substellar companions in the Pleiades and young moving groups. The companion has a projected separation of 0". 49+/-0". 02 (66+/-2 au) and a mass of 68+/-5M(sub J) based on three observations in the J-, H-, and K(sub s)-bands. The spectral type is estimated to be M7 (approx. 2700 K), and thus no methane absorption is detected in the H band. Our Pleiades observations result in the detection of two substellar companions including one previously reported among 20 observed Pleiades stars, and indicate that the fraction of substellar companions in the Pleiades is about 10.0+26.1 −8.8 %. This is consistent with multiplicity studies of both the Pleiades stars and other open clusters.

Pleiades HII 3441↗

NASA NTRS2014

High-Resolution Submillimeter and Near-Infrared Studies of the Transition Disk around Sz 91

To reveal the structures of a transition disk around a young stellar object in Lupus, Sz 91, we have performed aperture synthesis 345 GHz continuum and CO(32) observations with the Submillimeter Array ( 13 resolution), and high-resolution imaging of polarized intensity at the Ks-band by using the Hi-CIAO instrument on the Subaru Telescope (0.25 resolution). Our observations successfully resolved the inner and outer radii of the dust disk to be 65 and 170AU, respectively, which indicates that Sz 91 is a transition disk source with one of the largest known inner holes. The model fitting analysis of the spectral energy distribution reveals an H2 mass of 2.4 103 M in the cold (T 30 K) outer part at 65 r 170 AU by assuming a canonical gas-to-dust mass ratio of 100, although a small amount ( 3109 M) of hot (T 180 K) dust possibly remains inside the inner hole of the disk. The structure of the hot component could be interpreted as either an unresolved self-luminous companion body (not directly detected in our observations) or a narrow ring inside the inner hole. Significant CO(32) emission with a velocity gradient along the major axis of the dust disk is concentrated on the Sz 91 position, suggesting a rotating gas disk with a radius of 420 AU. The Sz 91 disk is possibly a rare disk in an evolutionary stage immediately after the formation of protoplanets because of the large inner hole and the lower disk mass than other transition disks studied thus far.

Hi-CIAO instrument↗

NASA NTRS2014

High-Resolution Submillimeter and Near-Infrared Studies of the Transition Disk Around Sz 91

To reveal the structures of a transition disk around a young stellar object in Lupus, Sz 91, we have performed aperture synthesis 345 GHz continuum and CO(3--2) observations with the Submillimeter Array (approximately 1" - 3" resolution), and high-resolution imaging of polarized intensity at the K(sub s) -band by using the HiCIAO instrument on the Subaru Telescope (0.25" resolution). Our observations successfully resolved the inner and outer radii of the dust disk to be 65 AU and 170 AU, respectively, which indicates that Sz 91 is a transition disk source with one of the largest known inner holes. The model fitting analysis of the spectral energy distribution reveals an H 2 mass of 2.4×10(exp −3) M(solar mass) in the cold (T less than 30 K) outer part at 65 less than r less than 170 AU by assuming a canonical gas-to-dust mass ratio of 100, although a small amount (greater than 3×10(exp −9) M(solar mass)) of hot (T approximately 180 K) dust possibly remains inside the inner hole of the disk. The structure of the hot component could be interpreted as either an unresolved self-luminous companion body (not directly detected in our observations) or a narrow ring inside the inner hole. Significant CO(3--2) emission with a velocity gradient along the major axis of the dust disk is concentrated on the Sz 91 position, suggesting a rotating gas disk with a radius of 420 AU. The Sz 91 disk is possibly a rare disk in an evolutionary stage immediately after the formation of protoplanets because of the large inner hole and the lower disk mass than other transition disks studied thus far.

canonical gas-to-dust mass ratio↗

NASA NTRS2013

The Optical Design of CHARIS: An Exoplanet IFS for the Subaru Telescope

High-contrast imaging techniques now make possible both imaging and spectroscopy of planets around nearby stars. We present the optical design for the Coronagraphic High Angular Resolution Imaging Spectrograph (CHARIS), a lenslet-based, cryogenic integral field spectrograph (IFS) for imaging exoplanets on the Subaru telescope. The IFS will provide spectral information for 138×138 spatial elements over a 2.07 arcsec × 2.07 arcsec field of view (FOV). CHARIS will operate in the near infrared (lambda = 1.15 − 2.5 micrometers) and will feature two spectral resolution modes of R is approximately 18 (low-res mode) and R is approximately 73 (high-res mode). Taking advantage of the Subaru telescope adaptive optics systems and coronagraphs (AO188 and SCExAO), CHARIS will provide sufficient contrast to obtain spectra of young self-luminous Jupiter-mass exoplanets. CHARIS will undergo CDR in October 2013 and is projected to have first light by the end of 2015. We report here on the current optical design of CHARIS and its unique innovations.

High Contrast Imaging↗

NASA NTRS2013

The SEEDS Direct Imaging Survey for Planets and Scattered Dust Emission in Debris Disk Systems

Debris disks around young main-sequence stars often have gaps and cavities which for a long time have been interpreted as possibly being caused by planets. In recent years, several giant planet discoveries have been made in systems hosting disks of precisely this nature, further implying that interactions with planets could be a common cause of such disk structures. As part of the SEEDS high-contrast imaging survey, we are surveying a population of debris disk-hosting stars with gaps and cavities implied by their spectral energy distributions, in order to attempt to spatially resolve the disk as well as to detect any planets that may be responsible for the disk structure. Here we report on intermediate results from this survey. Five debris disks have been spatially resolved, and a number of faint point sources have been discovered, most of which have been tested for common proper motion, which in each case has excluded physical companionship with the target stars. From the detection limits of the 50 targets that have been observed, we find that beta Pic b-like planets (approximately 10M(sub jup) planets around G-A-type stars) near the gap edges are less frequent than 15-30%, implying that if giant planets are the dominant cause of these wide (27 AU on average) gaps, they are generally less massive than beta Pic b.

high-contrast imaging↗

NASA NTRS2012

Conceptual Design of the Coronagraphic High Angular Resolution Imaging Spectrograph (CHARIS) for the Subaru Telescope

Recent developments in high-contrast imaging techniques now make possible both imaging and spectroscopy of planets around nearby stars. We present the conceptual design of the Coronagraphic High Angular Resolution Imaging Spectrograph (CHARIS), a lenslet-based, cryogenic integral field spectrograph (IFS) for imaging exoplanets on the Subaru telescope. The IFS will provide spectral information for 140 x 140 spatial elements over a 1.75 arcsecs x 1.75 arcsecs field of view (FOV). CHARIS will operate in the near infrared (lambda = 0.9 - 2.5 micron) and provide a spectral resolution of R = 14, 33, and 65 in three separate observing modes. Taking advantage of the adaptive optics systems and advanced coronagraphs (AO188 and SCExAO) on the Subaru telescope, CHARIS will provide sufficient contrast to obtain spectra of young self-luminous Jupiter-mass exoplanets. CHARIS is in the early design phases and is projected to have first light by the end of 2015. We report here on the current conceptual design of CHARIS and the design challenges.

Peters, Mary Anne↗