arXiv subjects

Ray Jayawardhana

Publications and source records attributed to Ray Jayawardhana.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

arXiv2002

Discovery of an Edge-On Disk in the MBM 12 Young Association

We report the discovery of a spatially-resolved edge-on protoplanetary disk in the ~2-Myr-old MBM 12 young association. Our near-infrared images of LkHa 263C (MBM 12A 3C), obtained with the Hokupa'a adaptive optics system on the Gemini North telescope, clearly show two elongated reflection nebulosities separated by a dark lane, a morphology well-matched by scattered light models of an optically thick (at near-infrared wavelengths) edge-on disk. An optical spectrum of the scattered light nebulosity obtained with the Keck II telescope exhibits a spectral type of M0 +/- 0.5 (T_eff = 3850 +/- 100 K) for the central star and contains H_alpha and forbidden emission lines, which may indicate the presence of a jet. The absence of a near-infrared point source implies A_K > 9.5 toward the unseen central star. The disk is flared and has a radius of ~150 AU (at a distance of 275 pc) and an inclination of 87 degrees. The aspect ratio of the model disk in the J-band is 0.72. There is possible evidence for dust settling to the disk midplane. LkHa 263C is 4.115" from the 0.415" binary LkHa 263 A and B (MBM 12A 3A and 3B), which is itself 15.5" from LkHa 262 (MBM 12A 2). Thus, LkHa 263C may be the first disk to be clearly resolved around an individual star in a young quadruple system. The detection of a faint edge-on disk near a bright star demonstrates both the high angular resolution and the high sensitivity that can be achieved with adaptive optics imaging on large telescopes.

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arXiv2002

New sub-millimeter limits on dust in the 55 Cancri planetary system

We present new, high-sensitivity sub-millimeter observations towards 55 Cancri, a nearby G8 star with one, or possibly two, known planetary companion(s). Our 850 $μ$m map, obtained with the SCUBA instrument on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, shows three peaks of emission at the 2.5 mJy level in the vicinity of the star's position. However, the observed peaks are 25$\arcsec$--40$\arcsec$ away from the star and a deep $R$-band optical image reveals faint point sources that coincide with two of the sub-millimeter peaks. Thus, we do not find evidence for dust emission spatially associated with 55 Cancri. The excess 60 $μ$m emission detected with ISO may originate from one or more of the 850 $μ$m peaks that we attribute to background sources. Our new results, together with the HST/NICMOS coronographic images in the near-infrared, place stringent limits on the amount of dust in this planetary system, and argue against the existence of a detectable circumstellar dust disk around 55 Cnc.

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arXiv2001

An Adaptive Optics Search for Companions to Stars with Planets

We have performed a Keck adaptive optics (AO) imaging survey of 25 extrasolar planetary systems discovered by the radial velocity programs. Typically, the high-resolution (FWHM~0.04") near-infrared images are able to detect point sources at dH=10 at 1", L and T dwarfs at 0.5" to 2.0", and stars and brown dwarfs at 3-10 AU and 10-100 AU from the targets. The AO images reveal 15 faint sources (H=14-20) near the stars HD 37124, HD 168443, HD 187123, and HD 190228 out to a search radius of 3.3. We have obtained AO images at a second epoch for five of the candidate companions at Keck and Gemini Observatories. The resulting measurements of proper motions relative to the primary stars indicate that these five sources are background stars. Given that the four primaries are near the Galactic plane (|b|<6 deg), the remaining faint sources are also likely to be background stars rather than substellar companions. We present the companion detection limits for each target as a function of separation and compare them to the sensitivities of radial velocity surveys, demonstrating the complementary nature of the two techniques.

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arXiv2001

Discovery of a New Companion and Evidence of a Circumprimary Disk: Adaptive Optics Imaging of the Young Multiple System VW Cha

Since a majority of young low-mass stars are members of multiple systems, the study of their stellar and disk configurations is crucial to our understanding of both star and planet formation processes. Here we present near-infrared adaptive optics observations of the young multiple star system VW Cha. The previously known 0.7 arcsec binary is clearly resolved already in our raw J and K band images. We report the discovery of a new, faint companion to the secondary, at an apparent separation of only 0.1 arcsec or 16 AU. Our high-resolution photometric observations also make it possible to measure the J-K colors of each of the three components individually. We detect an infrared excess in the primary, consistent with theoretical models of a circumprimary disk. Analytical and numerical calculations of orbital stability show that VW Cha may be a stable triple system. Using models for the age and total mass of the secondary pair, we estimate the orbital period to be 74 years. Thus, follow-up astrometric observations might yield direct dynamical masses within a few years, and constrain evolutionary models of low-mass stars. Our results demonstrate that adaptive optics imaging in conjunction with deconvolution techniques is a powerful tool for probing close multiple systems.

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arXiv2001

Discovery of close companions to the nearby young stars HD 199143 and HD 358623

Young stellar systems in the solar neighborhood provide valuable laboratories for detailed studies of star and planet formation. The bright F8V star HD 199143 and the Li-rich late-type emission line star HD 358623 are among the nearest young stars identified to date, and may be members of a young association in Capricornus. We present high-resolution near-infrared images of these two sources, obtained using the adaptive optics system on the 3.6-meter telescope at the European Southern Observatory in La Silla, Chile. Our observations reveal that both are in fact close binary systems. The newly discovered companion at a separation of $\sim$1'' may account for the unusual characteristics of HD 199143 --rapid rotation, emission lines, ultraviolet variability, and excess infrared emission-- recently discussed by van den Ancker and co-workers. HD 199143 may be a rare example of a close binary with only a circum{\it secondary} disk. With the detection of a $\sim$2'' companion, HD 358623 is now possibly one of the closest known T Tauri binaries. Both binary systems are prime targets for follow-up spectroscopic and astrometric observations.

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arXiv2001

Prospects for Star Formation Studies with Mid-Infrared Instruments on Large Telescopes

Imaging and spectroscopic observations in the mid-infrared wavelength range (5$μ$m--30$μ$m) offer valuable insight into the origins of stars and planets. Sensitive new array detectors on 8-meter class telescopes make it possible to study a wide range of phenomena, from protoplanetary disks to starburst galaxies, in unprecedented detail. I review the capablities of ground-based mid-infrared instruments (e.g., high spatial resolution) and their limitations (e.g., poor sensitivity, small field of view) using several examples in the field of star formation, and discuss prospects for the near future.

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arXiv2001

Evolution of Dusty Disks in Nearby Young Stellar Groups

Given their proximity and age differences, nearby groups of young stars are valuable laboratories for investigations of disk evolution and diversity. The estimated 10-Myr age of groups like the TW Hydrae Association provides a strong constraint on disk evolution timescales and fills a significant gap in the age sequence between 1-Myr-old T Tauri stars in molecular clouds and 50-Myr-old nearby open clusters. I review the results of recent and on-going studies of dusty disks in three nearby groups --TW Hya, $η$ Cha and MBM 12-- that suggest rapid evolution of inner disks. However, it is unlikely that there is a universal evolutionary timescale for protoplanetary disks, especially when the influence of companion stars is taken into account.

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arXiv2001

Mid-Infrared Imaging of Candidate Vega-Like Systems

We have conducted deep mid-infrared imaging of a relatively nearby sample of candidate Vega-like stars using the OSCIR instrument on the CTIO 4-meter and Keck II 10-meter telescopes. Our discovery of a spatially-resolved disk around HR 4796A has already been reported (Jayawardhana et al. 1998). Here we present imaging observations of the other members of the sample, including the discovery that only the primary in the HD 35187 binary system appears to harbor a substantial circumstellar disk and the possible detection of extended disk emission around 49 Ceti. We derive global properties of the dust disks, place constraints on their sizes, and discuss several interesting cases in detail. Although our targets are believed to be main sequence stars, we note that several have large infrared excesses compared to prototype Vega-like systems, and may therefore be somewhat younger. The disk size constraints we derive, in many cases, imply emission from relatively large ($\gtrsim$ 10$μ$m) particles at mid-infrared wavelengths.

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arXiv2001

Protoplanetary Disks in the Nearest Star-Forming Cloud: Mid-Infrared Imaging and Optical Spectroscopy of MBM 12 Members

The recent identification of several groups of young stars within 100 parsecs of the Sun has generated widespread interest. Given their proximity and possible age differences, these systems are ideally suited for detailed studies of star and planet formation. Here we report on the first investigation of protoplanetary disks in one such group, the high-latitude cloud MBM 12 at a distance of $\sim$65 pc. We present mid-infrared observations of the eight candidate pre-main-sequence (PMS) members and the two main-sequence (MS) stars in the same line-of-sight which may or may not be associated with the group. We have also derived H$α$ and Li line widths from medium-resolution optical spectra. We report the discovery of significant mid-infrared excess from six PMS stars --LkH$α$ 262, LkH$α$ 263, LkH$α$ 264, E02553+2018, RXJ0258.3+1947 and S18 --presumably due to optically thick circumstellar disks. Our flux measurements for the other two PMS stars and the two MS stars are consistent with photospheric emission, allowing us to rule out dusty inner disks. The disks we have found in MBM 12 represent the nearest known sample of very young protoplanetary systems, and thus are prime targets for high-resolution imaging at infrared and millimeter wavelengths.

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arXiv2000

Timescales of Disk Evolution and Planet Formation

It has been suggested that circumstellar disks evolve from dense, actively accreting structures to low-mass, replenished remnants. During this transition, grains may assemble into planetesimals, or the disk may be cleared by newborn planets. Recently identified nearby groups of young stars provide valuable laboratories for probing disk evolution. I discuss the properties of dust disks in the TW Hydrae Association and the MBM 12 cloud, and compare the results to other studies of disk evolution and planet formation timescales.

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arXiv2000

Probing Planet Formation Among Nearby Young Stars

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arXiv2000

Infall models of Class 0 protostars

We have carried out radiative transfer calculations of infalling, dusty envelopes surrounding embedded protostars to understand the observed properties of the recently identified ``Class 0'' sources. To match the far-infrared peaks in the spectral energy distributions of objects such as the prototype Class 0 source VLA 1623, pure collapse models require mass infall rates $\sim10^{-4}\msun$yr$^{-1}$. The radial intensity distributions predicted by such infall models are inconsistent with observations of VLA 1623 at sub-mm wavelengths, in agreement with the results of Andre et al. (1993) who found a density profile of $ρ\propto r^{-1/2}$ rather than the expected $ρ\propto r^{-3/2}$ gradient. To resolve this conflict, while still invoking infall to produce the outflow source at the center of VLA 1623, we suggest that the observed sub-mm intensity distribution is the sum of two components: an inner infall zone, plus an outer, more nearly constant-density region. This explanation of the observations requires that roughly half the total mass observed within 2000 AU radius of the source lies in a region external to the infall zone. The column densities for this external region are comparable to those found in the larger Oph A cloud within which VLA 1623 is embedded. The extreme environments of Class 0 sources lead us to suggest an alternative or additional interpretation of these objects: rather than simply concluding with Andre et al. that Class 0 objects only represent the earliest phases of protostellar collapse, and ultimately evolve into older ``Class I'' protostars, we suggest that many Class 0 sources could be the protostars of very dense regions. (Shortened)

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arXiv2000

Mid-infrared imaging of the massive young star AFGL 2591: Probing the circumstellar environment of an outflow source

Most, if not all, stars are now believed to produce energetic outflows during their formation. Yet, almost 20 years after the discovery of bipolar outflows from young stars, the origins of this violent phenomenon are not well understood. One of the difficulties of probing the outflow process, particularly in the case of massive embedded stars, is a deficit of high spatial resolution observations. Here, we present sub-arcsecond-resolution mid-infrared images of one massive young stellar object, AFGL 2591, and its immediate surroundings. Our images, at 11.7, 12.5 and 18.0 microns, reveal a knot of emission ~6'' SW of the star, which may be evidence for a recent ejection event or an embedded companion star. This knot is roughly coincident with a previously seen near-infrared reflection nebula and a radio source, and lies within the known large-scale CO outflow. We also find a new faint NW source which may be another embedded lower-luminosity star. The IRAS mid-infrared spectrum of AFGL 2591 shows a large silicate absorption feature at 10 microns, implying that the primary source is surrounded by an optically thick dusty envelope. We discuss the interrelationship of these phenomena and suggest that mid-infrared imaging and spectroscopy provide powerful tools for probing massive star birth.

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arXiv2000

MBM12: A Younger Version of the TW Hydrae Association?

We present optical and infrared photometry of stars near the MBM 12 dark cloud. The optical data indicate that there are about 40 candidate pre-main sequence stars in the same area currently occupied by eight bona-fide PMS stars. Analysis of 2MASS data suggests that 60% of PMS candidates have been detected. Some of these show evidence of optically thick disks. Our study of the 2MASS data also reveals a large enhancement of sources within the MBM 12 cloud, indicating that it is still actively forming stars.

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arXiv2000

New Stars on the Block

Groups of young stars located in the solar neighborhood have recently received a lot of attention. These stars, which are $\lesssim$ 10 million years old, can provide insights into the birth of stars and planetary systems. For example, the TW Hydrae Association is just at the age when planets are believed to form, while MBM12 represents an earlier stage. In this Perspective, I briefly discuss recent research in this field.

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arXiv2000

Dust in the 55 Cancri planetary system

The presence of debris disks around $\sim$ 1-Gyr-old main sequence stars suggests that an appreciable amount of dust may persist even in mature planetary systems. Here we report the detection of dust emission from 55 Cancri, a star with one, or possibly two, planetary companions detected through radial velocity measurements. Our observations at 850$μ$m and 450$μ$m imply a dust mass of 0.0008-0.005 Earth masses, somewhat higher than that in the the Kuiper Belt of our solar system. The estimated temperature of the dust grains and a simple model fit both indicate a central disk hole of at least 10 AU in radius. Thus, the region where the planets are detected is likely to be significantly depleted of dust. Our results suggest that far-infrared and sub-millimeter observations are powerful tools for probing the outer regions of extrasolar planetary systems.

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arXiv1999

A disk census for the nearest group of young stars: Mid-infrared observations of the TW Hydrae Association

A group of young, active stars in the vicinity of TW Hydrae has recently been identified as a possible physical association with a common origin. Given its proximity ($\sim$50 pc), age ($\sim$10 Myr) and abundance of binary systems, the TW Hya Association is ideally suited to studies of diversity and evolution of circumstellar disks. Here we present mid-infrared observations of 15 candidate members of the group, 11 of which have no previous flux measurements at wavelengths longer than 2$μ$m. We report the discovery of a possible 10$μ$m excess in CD -33$^{\circ}$7795, which may be due to a circumstellar disk or a faint, as yet undetected binary companion. Of the other stars, only TW Hya, HD 98800, Hen 3-600A, and HR 4796A -- all of which were detected by IRAS -- show excess thermal emission. Our 10$μ$m flux measurements for the remaining members of the Association are consistent with photospheric emission, allowing us to rule out dusty inner disks. In light of these findings, we discuss the origin and age of the TW Hya Association as well as implications for disk evolution timescales.

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arXiv1999

The complex protostellar source IRAS 04325+2402

We report Hubble Space Telescope near-infrared NICMOS observations of a remarkable low-luminosity Class I (protostellar) source in the Taurus Molecular Cloud. IRAS 04325+2402 exhibits a complex bipolar scattered light nebula. The central continuum source is resolved and may be multiple, or may be crossed by a small dust lane. Complex arcs seen in scattered light surround the central source; the physical nature of these structures is not clear, but they may reflect perturbations from multiple stellar sources or from time-dependent mass ejection. A second, resolved continuum source is found at a projected distance of approximately 1150 AU from the central region, near the edge of a nebular lobe probably produced by outflow. The images indicate that this second source is another low-luminosity young stellar object, seen nearly edge-on through a dusty disk and envelope system with disk diameter $\sim 60$ AU. We suggest that the scattered light ``streaks'' associated with this second source are limb-brightened outflow cavities in the dusty envelope, possibly perturbed by interaction with the outflow lobes of the main source. The nature of the companion is uncertain, since it is observed mostly in scattered light, but is most probably a very low mass star or brown dwarf, with a minimum luminosity of $\sim 10^{-2} \lsun$. Our results show that protostellar sources may have multiple centers of infall and non-aligned disks and outflows, even on relatively small scales.

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