Formation and Physical Properties of Substellar Objects

University Of Hawaii, Honolulu

Investigators

Abstract

AST-0507833 Michael Liu University of Hawaii Formation and Physical Properties of Substellar Objects ABSTRACT The goal of the work is to explore the multiplicity of brown dwarfs, to determine the physical properties of substellar binaries, and to find low-temperature/low-mass brown dwarf and planetary companions. This is motivated by the need for better statistical properties of substellar populations in order to understand their formation. The techniques to be used are high angular resolution infrared imaging of large samples of brown dwarfs to reveal binary companions (and extract the binary frequency, separation distribution, and mass ratio distribution of the population) and to search for very low temperature (Y-class brown dwarf and planetary) companions, and imaging plus near-IR spectroscopy to determine the physical properties of the binary members (particularly dynamical masses and temperatures, which can in turn be used to test theoretical models). The project will be carried out using the Keck Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics system. A postdoctoral fellow will be trained in laser guide star adaptive objects - a growing and potentially very important tool within the astronomical community. The training of an undergraduate is also included, who will participate through the NSF sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the Institute for Astronomy at Hawaii.