A Survey for Resolved Debris Disks in Sco-Cen
Abstract
With the high-contrast polarimetry mode of the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI), we are conducting a disk morphology survey of on a complete sample of high infrared excess A/F-stars in the Sco-Cen OB Association regions Lower Centaurus Crux (LCC) and Upper Centaurus Lupus (UCL). Near-IR scattered-light imaging has the highest angular resolution of all techniques used for debris disk imaging. Dust belts, cleared gaps, offsets, and asymmetries can be clearly measured, allowing inferences on disk dynamics and evolution. Measurements of brightness and polarization fraction variations with scattering angle can be used to constrain dust grain size and composition, factors related to the collisional state and material makeup of the planetary system. As part of the large-scale GPI Exoplanet Survey program, a set of 18 Sco-Cen members with infrared excesses were observed, and GPI polarized light of these targets spatially resolved disks around 80per-cent of the stars, the highest detection rate of any population observed with GPI. The Sco-Cen region is also the site of several imaged planetary mass companions. Our ongoing program is designed to observe the remaining highest IR excess A/F-star targets not yet observed with GPI polarimetry mode. Of the targets observed thus far, five disks have been resolved, including systems with asymmetries and with inclinations favorable to investigating a large range of scattering angles. Combining the existing and ongoing disk structure surveys of Sco-Cen, we will assemble a consistent experimental dataset to explore the diversity of disk properties around stars with a common age and formation environment. The newly revealed structures will place constraints on the disk properties and will search for dynamical signatures of disk-planet interactions.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #235
- Pub Date:
- January 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020AAS...23530821P