arXiv subjects

P. Dufour

Publications and source records attributed to P. Dufour.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

A New Generation of Cool White Dwarf Atmosphere Models. III. WD J2356$-$209: Accretion of a Planetesimal with an Unusual Composition

WD J2356$-$209 is a cool metal-polluted white dwarf whose visible spectrum is dominated by a strong and broad sodium feature. Although discovered nearly two decades ago, no detailed and realistic analysis of this star had yet been realized. In the absence of atmosphere models taking into account the nonideal high-density effects arising at the photosphere of WD J2356$-$209, the origin of its unique spectrum had remained nebulous. We use the cool white dwarf atmosphere code presented in the first paper of this series to finally reveal the secrets of this peculiar object and details about the planetesimal that polluted its atmosphere. Thanks to the improved input physics of our models, we find a solution that is in excellent agreement with the photometric observations and the visible spectrum. Our solution reveals that the photosphere of WD J2356$-$209 has a number density ratio of $\log\,{\rm Na/Ca}= 1.0 \pm 0.2$, which is the highest ever found in a white dwarf. Since we do not know how long ago the accretion episode stopped (if it has), we cannot precisely determine the composition nor the mass of the accreted planetesimal. Nevertheless, all scenarios considered indicate that its composition is incompatible with that of chondrite-like material and that its mass was at least $10^{21}\,{\rm g}$.

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arXiv2018

Distant White Dwarfs in the US Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station Parallax Sample

This paper presents new trigonometric parallaxes and proper motions for 214 stars. The measurements were made at the US Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS) between 1989 and 2017, and the average uncertainty in the parallax values is 0.6 mas. We find good agreement with Gaia Data Release 2 measurements for the stars in common, although there may be a small systematic offset similar to what has been found by other investigators. The sample is matched to catalogs and the literature to create a photometric dataset which spans the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared. New mid-infrared photometry is obtained for nineteen stars from archived Spitzer mosaics. New optical spectroscopy is presented for seven systems and additional spectra were obtained from the literature. We identify a sub-sample of 179 white dwarfs (WDs) at distances of 25 - 200 pc. Their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) are analyzed using model atmospheres. The models reproduce the entire flux-calibrated SED very well and provide the atmospheric chemical composition, temperature, surface gravity, mass and cooling age of each WD. Twenty-six WDs are newly classified and twelve systems are presented as candidate unresolved binaries. We confirm one WD+red dwarf system and identify two WDs as candidate dust disk systems. Twelve old and high-velocity systems are identified as candidate thick disk or halo objects. The WDs in the sample generally have Galactic disk-like ages of < 8 Gyr and masses close to the canonical 0.6 M_Sun.

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arXiv2018

Line shapes of the magnesium resonance lines in cool DZ white dwarf atmospheres

Line shapes of the magnesium resonance lines in white dwarf spectra are determined by the properties of magnesium atoms and the structure of the white dwarf atmosphere. Through their blanketing effect, these lines have a dominant influence on the model structure and thus on the determination from the spectra of other physical parameters that describe the stellar atmosphere and elemental abundances. In continuation of previous work on Mg$^+$He lines in the UV, we present theoretical profiles of the resonance line of neutral Mg perturbed by He at the extreme density conditions found in the cool largely transparent atmosphere of DZ white dwarfs. We accurately determined the broadening of Mg by He in a unified theory of collisional line profiles using ab initio calculations of MgHe potential energies and transition matrix elements among the singlet electronic states that are involved for the observable spectral lines. We computed the shapes and line parameters of the Mg lines and studied their dependence on helium densities and temperatures. We present results over the full range of temperatures from 4000 to 12000 K needed for input to stellar spectra models. Atmosphere models were constructed for a range of effective temperatures and surface gravities typical for cool DZ white dwarfs. We present synthetic spectra tracing the behavior of the Mg resonance line profiles under the low temperatures and high gas pressures prevalent in these atmospheres. The determination of accurate opacity data of magnesium resonance lines together with an improved atmosphere model code lead to a good fit of cool DZ white dwarf stars. The broadening of spectral lines by helium needs to be understood to accurately determine the H/He and Mg/He abundance ratio in DZ white dwarf atmospheres. We emphasize that no free potential parameters or ad hoc adjustments were used to calculate the line profiles.

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arXiv2018

The first polluted white dwarf from Gaia DR2: the cool DAZ GaiaJ1738-0826

We present the first metal-polluted single white dwarf star identified through Gaia DR2. GaiaJ1738-0826, selected from color and absolute magnitude cuts in the Gaia DR2 data, was discovered to have strong Ca~II absorption in initial spectroscopic characterization at Lick Observatory. Notably, GaiaJ1738-0826 resembles in many ways the first confirmed metal-polluted hydrogen atmosphere white dwarf, the DAZ G74-7.

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arXiv2017

A dearth of small particles in the transiting material around the white dwarf WD 1145+017

White dwarf WD 1145+017 is orbited by several clouds of dust, possibly emanating from actively disintegrating bodies. These dust clouds reveal themselves through deep, broad, and evolving transits in the star's light curve. Here, we report two epochs of multi-wavelength photometric observations of WD 1145+017, including several filters in the optical, K$_\mathrm{s}$ and 4.5 $μ$m bands in 2016 and 2017. The observed transit depths are different at these wavelengths. However, after correcting for excess dust emission at K$_\mathrm{s}$ and 4.5 $μ$m, we find the transit depths for the white dwarf itself are the same at all wavelengths, at least to within the observational uncertainties of $\sim$5%-10%. From this surprising result, and under the assumption of low optical depth dust clouds, we conclude that there is a deficit of small particles (with radii $s \lesssim$ 1.5 $μ$m) in the transiting material. We propose a model wherein only large particles can survive the high equilibrium temperature environment corresponding to 4.5 hr orbital periods around WD 1145+017, while small particles sublimate rapidly. In addition, we evaluate dust models that are permitted by our measurements of infrared emission.

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arXiv2017

The OmegaWhite Survey for Short-Period Variable Stars IV: Discovery of the warm DQ white dwarf OW J175358.85-310728.9

We present the discovery and follow-up observations of the second known variable warm DQ white dwarf OW J175358.85-310728.9 (OW J1753-3107). OW J1753-3107 is the brightest of any of the currently known warm or hot DQ and was discovered in the OmegaWhite Survey as exhibiting optical variations on a period of 35.5452 (2) mins, with no evidence for other periods in its light curves. This period has remained constant over the last two years and a single-period sinusoidal model provides a good fit for all follow-up light curves. The spectrum consists of a very blue continuum with strong absorption lines of neutral and ionised carbon, a broad He I 4471 A line, and possibly weaker hydrogen lines. The C I lines are Zeeman split, and indicate the presence of a strong magnetic field. Using spectral Paschen-Back model descriptions, we determine that OW J1753-3107 exhibits the following physical parameters: T_eff = 15430 K, log(g) = 9.0, log(N(C)/N(He)) = -1.2, and the mean magnetic field strength is B_z =2.1 MG. This relatively low temperature and carbon abundance (compared to the expected properties of hot DQs) is similar to that seen in the other warm DQ SDSS J1036+6522. Although OW J1753-3107 appears to be a twin of SDSS J1036+6522, it exhibits a modulation on a period slightly longer than the dominant period in SDSS J1036+6522 and has a higher carbon abundance. The source of variations is uncertain, but they are believed to originate from the rotation of the magnetic white dwarf.

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arXiv2017

The Chemical Composition of an Extrasolar Kuiper-Belt-Object

The Kuiper Belt of our solar system is a source of short-period comets that may have delivered water and other volatiles to Earth and the other terrestrial planets. However, the distribution of water and other volatiles in extrasolar planetary systems is largely unknown. We report the discovery of an accretion of a Kuiper-Belt-Object analog onto the atmosphere of the white dwarf WD 1425+540. The heavy elements C, N, O, Mg, Si, S, Ca, Fe, and Ni are detected, with nitrogen observed for the first time in extrasolar planetary debris. The nitrogen mass fraction is $\sim$ 2\%, comparable to that in comet Halley and higher than in any other known solar system object. The lower limit to the accreted mass is $\sim$ 10$^{22}$ g, which is about one hundred thousand times the typical mass of a short-period comet. In addition, WD 1425+540 has a wide binary companion, which could facilitate perturbing a Kuiper-Belt-Object analog into the white dwarf's tidal radius. This finding shows that analogs to objects in our Kuiper Belt exist around other stars and could be responsible for the delivery of volatiles to terrestrial planets beyond

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arXiv2016

Does a Differentiated, Carbonate-Rich, Rocky Object Pollute the White Dwarf SDSSJ104341.53+085558.2?

We present spectroscopic observations of the dust- and gas-enshrouded, polluted, single white dwarf star SDSSJ104341.53+085558.2 (hereafter SDSSJ1043+0855). Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph far-ultraviolet spectra combined with deep Keck HIRES optical spectroscopy reveal the elements C, O, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Ca, Fe, and Ni and enable useful limits for Sc, Ti, V, Cr, and Mn in the photosphere of SDSSJ1043+0855. From this suite of elements we determine that the parent body being accreted by SDSSJ1043+0855 is similar to the silicate Moon or the outer layers of Earth in that it is rocky and iron-poor. Combining this with comparison to other heavily polluted white dwarf stars, we are able to identify the material being accreted by SDSSJ1043+0855 as likely to have come from the outermost layers of a differentiated object. Furthermore, we present evidence that some polluted white dwarfs (including SDSSJ1043+0855) allow us to examine the structure of differentiated extrasolar rocky bodies. Enhanced levels of carbon in the body polluting SDSSJ1043+0855 relative to the Earth-Moon system can be explained with a model where a significant amount of the accreted rocky minerals took the form of carbonates; specifically, through this model the accreted material could be up to 9% calcium-carbonate by mass.

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arXiv2016

The Montreal White Dwarf Database: a Tool for the Community

We present the "Montreal White Dwarf Database" (MWDD), an accessible database with sortable/filterable table and interactive plots that will, when fully completed, allow the community to explore the physical properties of all white dwarfs ever analyzed by the Montreal group, as well as display data and analyses from the literature. We present its current capability and show how it will continuously be updated to instantly reflect improvements made on both the theoretical and observational fronts.

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arXiv2016

A subtle IR excess associated with a young White Dwarf in the Edinburgh-Cape Blue Object Survey

We report the discovery of a subtle infrared excess associated with the young white dwarf EC\,05365--4749 at 3.35 and 4.6\,$μ$m. Follow-up spectroscopic observations are consistent with a hydrogen atmosphere white dwarf of effective temperature 22\,800\,K and log [\emph{g} (\,cm\,s$^{-2}$) ] = 8.19. High resolution spectroscopy reveals atmospheric metal pollution with logarithmic abundances of [Mg/H] = --5.36 and [Ca/H] = --5.75, confirming the white dwarf is actively accreting from a metal-rich source with an intriguing abundance pattern. We find that the infrared excess is well modeled by a flat, opaque debris disk, though disk parameters are not well constrained by the small number of infrared excess points. We further demonstrate that relaxing the assumption of a circular dusty debris disk to include elliptical disks expands the widths of acceptable disks, adding an alternative interpretation to the subtle infrared excesses commonly observed around young white dwarfs.

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arXiv2015

Evidence for Gas from a Disintegrating Extrasolar Asteroid

We report high-resolution spectroscopic observations of WD 1145+017 -- a white dwarf that recently has been found to be transitted by multiple asteroid-sized objects within its tidal radius. We have discovered numerous circumstellar absorption lines with linewidths of $\sim$ 300 km s$^{-1}$ from Mg, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe and Ni, possibly from several gas streams produced by collisions among the actively disintegrating objects. The atmosphere of WD 1145+017 is polluted with 11 heavy elements, including O, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, V:, Cr, Mn, Fe and Ni. Evidently, we are witnessing the active disintegration and subsequent accretion of an extrasolar asteroid.

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arXiv2015

High-speed Photometric Observations of ZZ Ceti White Dwarf Candidates

We present high-speed photometric observations of ZZ Ceti white dwarf candidates drawn from the spectroscopic survey of bright DA stars from the Villanova White Dwarf Catalog by Gianninas et al., and from the recent spectroscopic survey of white dwarfs within 40 parsecs of the Sun by Limoges et al. We report the discovery of six new ZZ Ceti pulsators from these surveys, and several photometrically constant DA white dwarfs, which we then use to refine the location of the ZZ Ceti instability strip.

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arXiv2014

Evidence for an Anhydrous Carbonaceous Extrasolar Minor Planet

Using Keck/HIRES, we report abundances of 11 different elements heavier than helium in the spectrum of Ton 345, a white dwarf that has accreted one of its own minor planets. This particular extrasolar planetesimal which was at least 60% as massive as Vesta appears to have been carbon-rich and water-poor; we suggest it was compositionally similar to those Kuiper Belt Objects with relatively little ice.

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arXiv2014

Precise Atmospheric Parameters for the Shortest Period Binary White Dwarfs: Gravitational Waves, Metals, and Pulsations

We present a detailed spectroscopic analysis of 61 low mass white dwarfs and provide precise atmospheric parameters, masses, and updated binary system parameters based on our new model atmosphere grids and the most recent evolutionary model calculations. For the first time, we measure systematic abundances of He, Ca and Mg for metal-rich extremely low mass white dwarfs and examine the distribution of these abundances as a function of effective temperature and mass. Based on our preliminary results, we discuss the possibility that shell flashes may be responsible for the presence of the observed He and metals. We compare stellar radii derived from our spectroscopic analysis to model-independent measurements and find good agreement except for those white dwarfs with Teff < 10,000 K. We also calculate the expected gravitational wave strain for each system and discuss their significance to the eLISA space-borne gravitational wave observatory. Finally, we provide an update on the instability strip of extremely low mass white dwarf pulsators.

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arXiv2013

SDSS J074511.56+194926.5: Discovery of a Metal-Rich and Tidally Distorted Extremely Low Mass White Dwarf

We present the discovery of an unusual, tidally-distorted extremely low mass white dwarf (WD) with nearly solar metallicity. Radial velocity measurements confirm that this is a compact binary with an orbital period of 2.6975 hrs and a velocity semi-amplitude of K = 108.7 km/s. Analysis of the hydrogen Balmer lines yields an effective temperature of Teff = 8380 K and a surface gravity of log g = 6.21 that in turn indicate a mass of M = 0.16 Msol and a cooling age of 4.2 Gyr. In addition, a detailed analysis of the observed metal lines yields abundances of log Mg/H = -3.90, log Ca/H = -5.80, log Ti/H = -6.10, log Cr/H = -5.60, and log Fe/H = -4.50, similar to the sun. We see no evidence of a debris disk from which these metals would be accreted though the possibility cannot entirely be ruled out. Other potential mechanisms to explain the presence of heavy elements are discussed. Finally, we expect this system to ultimately undergo unstable mass transfer and merge to form a ~0.3-0.6 Msol WD in a few Gyr.

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arXiv2013

Accretion and activity on the post-common-envelope binary RR~Cae

Current scenarios for the evolution of interacting close binaries - such as cataclysmic variables (CVs) - rely mainly on our understanding of low-mass star angular momentum loss (AML) mechanisms. The coupling of stellar wind with its magnetic field, i.e., magnetic braking, is the most promising mechanism to drive AML in these stars. There are basically two properties driving magnetic braking: the stellar magnetic field and the stellar wind. Understanding the mechanisms that drive AML therefore requires a comprehensive understanding of these two properties. RRCae is a well-known nearby (d=20pc) eclipsing DA+M binary with an orbital period of P=7.29h. The system harbors a metal-rich cool white dwarf (WD) and a highly active M-dwarf locked in synchronous rotation. The metallicity of the WD suggests that wind accretion is taking place, which provides a good opportunity to obtain the mass-loss rate of the M-dwarf component. We analyzed multi-epoch time-resolved high-resolution spectra of RRCae in search for traces of magnetic activity and accretion. We selected a number of well-known activity indicators and studied their short and long-term behavior. Indirect-imaging tomographic techniques were also applied to provide the surface brightness distribution of the magnetically active M-dwarf, and reveals a polar feature similar to those observed in fast-rotating solar-type stars. The blue part of the spectrum was modeled using a atmosphere model to constrain the WD properties and its metal enrichment. The latter was used to improve the determination of the mass-accretion rate from the M-dwarf wind. The presence of metals in the WD spectrum suggests that this component arises from accretion of the M-dwarf wind. A model fit to the WD gives Teff=(7260+/-250)K and logg=(7.8+/-0.1) dex with a metallicity of =(-2.8+/-0.1)dex, and a mass-accretion rate of dotMacc=(7+/-2)x1e-16Msun/yr.

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arXiv2013

SDSS J000555.90-100213.5: a hot, magnetic carbon-atmosphere WD rotating with a 2.1 day period

A surprisingly large fraction (70%) of hot, carbon dominated atmosphere (DQ) white dwarfs are magnetic and/or photometrically variable on short timescales up to ~1000 s. However, here we show that the hot DQ magnetic white dwarf SDSS J000555.90-100213.5 is photometrically variable by 11% on a longer timescale, with a period of 2.110 +/- 0.045 days. We find no evidence of the target fluctuating on short timescales at an amplitude of <+/-0.5%. Short period hot DQ white dwarfs have been interpreted as non-radial pulsators, but in the case of SDSS J0005-1002, it is more likely that the variability is due to the magnetic hot DQ white dwarf rotating. We suggest that some hot DQ white dwarfs, varying on short timescales, should be more carefully examined to ascertain whether the variability is due to rotation rather than pulsation. All hot DQs should be monitored for long period modulations as an indicator of rotation and magnetism.

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arXiv2013

Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of the Binary Nucleus of the Planetary Nebula EGB 6

EGB 6 is an ancient, low-surface-brightness planetary nebula. The central star, also cataloged as PG 0950+139, is a very hot DAOZ white dwarf (WD) with an apparent M dwarf companion, unresolved from the ground but detected initially through excesses in the JHK bands. Its kinematics indicates membership in the Galactic disk population. Inside of EGB 6 is an extremely dense emission knot -- completely unexpected since significant mass loss from the WD should have ceased ~10^5 y ago. The electron density of the compact nebula is very high (2.2x10^6 cm^-3), as indicated by collisional de-excitation of forbidden emission lines. Hubble Space Telescope imaging and grism spectroscopy are reported here. These resolve the WD and apparent dM companion -- at a separation of 0."166, or a projected 96(+204,-45) AU at the estimated distance of 576(+1224, -271) pc (using the V magnitude). Much to our surprise, we found that the compact emission nebula is superposed on the dM companion, far from the photoionizing radiation of the WD. Moreover, a a striking mid-infrared excess has recently been reported in Spitzer/IRAC and MIPS bands, best fit with two dust shells. The derived ratio L_IR/L_WD = 2.7 x 10^-4 is the largest yet found for any WD or planetary nucleus. The compact nebula has maintained its high density for over three decades. We discuss two possible explanations for the origin and confinement of the compact nebula, neither of which is completely satisfactory. This leaves the genesis and confinement of the compact nebula an astrophysical puzzle, yet similar examples appear in the literature.

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