Age Determinations of Early-M Type Pre-Main Sequence Stars Using a High-Resolution Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Method

Abstract

Abstract We present a method for determining the age of early-M type pre-main sequence (PMS) stars based on estimations of the surface gravity. The surface gravity was measured using high-resolution near-infrared K-band spectroscopy. The age of the PMS stars can be determined from the surface gravity, which correlates with the photospheric contraction. To estimate the surface gravity while avoiding veiling contamination, we developed a surface gravity indicator using equivalent width ratios (EWRs) of nearby absorption lines. We derived a relationship between the ratios of the Sc (22057.8 Å and 22071.3 Å) and Na (22062.4 Å and 22089.7 Å) absorption lines and the surface gravity by observing giants and main-sequence stars. The surface gravities of early-M type stars were determined with an accuracy of 0.1 in log$g$. The ages of target PMS stars were estimated within a factor of 1.5 by comparing the surface gravity with the evolution model of Baraffe et al. (1998, A&A, 337, 403). The ages of 4 PMS stars were estimated to be older than indicated by previous age determinations made using the photometric method. The EWR method allows estimating the age of PMS stars without contaminating the uncertainty of the distance, extinction, and veiling.