High Angular Resolution Techniques Research Articles

Circumgalactic Environments Around Distant Quasars 3C 9 and 4C 05.84

We present results from the Quasar hosts Unveiled by high Angular Resolution Techniques survey studying the circumgalactic medium (CGM) by observing rest-frame UV emission lines Lyα, C iv, and He ii around two radio-loud quasars, 3C 9 (z = 2.02) and 4C 05.84 (z = 2.32), using the Keck Cosmic Web Imager. We detect large-scale Lyα nebulae around both quasars with projected diameters ∼100 kpc, with spatially resolved, embedded 15–30 kpc He ii and C iv nebulae around both quasars as well as kinematically distinct He ii and C iv nebulae at a physical separation of ∼15 kpc from both quasars. Observations of Hα, Hβ, and [O iii] emission using Keck MOSFIRE spectroscopically confirm that the Lyα nebulae extend to companion galaxies and that these quasars are in a protogroup/protocluster environment. We confirm that the He ii and C iv emission is kinematically and spatially coincident with the companion galaxies. We estimate the virial masses of the companion galaxies, their metallicities, and star formation rates, and investigate the sources of ionization. We measure the dynamical mass of the host dark matter halos and estimate that the dark matter halos of these systems will grow to a mass of 2 × 1014 M ⊙ (3C 9) and 2 × 1013 M ⊙ (4C 05.84) by z = 0. The combined CGM and companion galaxies observations indicate Lyα substructure can indicate the presence of companion galaxies in the CGM.

Probing the innermost region of the AU Microscopii debris disc

Context. AU Mic is a young and nearby M-dwarf star harbouring a circumstellar debris disc and one recently discovered planet on an eight-day orbit. Large-scale structures within the disc were also discovered and are moving outwards at high velocity. Aims. We aim to study this system with the highest spatial resolution in order to probe the innermost regions and to search for additional low-mass companions or set detection limits. Methods. The star was observed with two different high-angular resolution techniques probing complementary spatial scales. We obtained new Ks-band sparse aperture masking observations with VLT/SPHERE, which we combined with data from VLT/NACO, VLTI/PIONIER and VLTI/GRAVITY. Results. We did not detect additional close companions within the separation range 0.02–7 au from the parent star. We determined magnitude upper limits for companions of H ~ 9.8 mag within 0.02-0.5 au, Ks ~ 11.2 mag within 0.4–2.4 au, and L ~ 10.7 mag within 0.7–7 au. Using theoretical isochrones, we converted these magnitudes into upper limits on the mass of ~17 Mjup, ~12 Mjup, and ~9 Mjup, respectively. The PIONIER observations also allowed us to determine the angular diameter of AU Mic, θLD = 0.825 ± 0.033stat ± 0.038sys mas, which converts to a linear radius R = 0.862 ± 0.052 R⊙ when combined with the Gaia parallax. Conclusions. We did not detect the newly discovered planets orbiting AU Mic (M < 0.2 Mjup), but we derived upper limit masses for the innermost region of AU Mic. We do not have any detection with a significance beyond 3σ, the most significant signal with PIONIER being 2.9σ and that with SPHERE being 1.6σ. We applied the pyMESS2 code to estimate the detection probability of companions by combining radial velocities, multi-band SPHERE imaging, and our interferometric detection maps. We show that 99% of the companions down to ~0.5 Mjup can be detected within 0.02 au or 1 Mjup down to 0.2 au. The low-mass planets orbiting at ≲0.11 au (≲11 mas) from the star will not be directly detectable with the current adaptive optics (AO) and interferometric instruments because of its close orbit and very high contrast (~10−10 K). It will also be below the angular resolution and contrast limit of the next Extremely Large Telescope Infrared (ELT IR) imaging instruments.

Integrated correction of optical distortions for global HR-EBSD techniques

Optical distortions caused by camera lenses affect the accuracy of the elastic strains and lattice rotations measured by high-angular resolution techniques. This article introduces an integrated correction of optical distortions for global HR-EBSD/HR-TKD approaches. The digital image correlation analysis is directly applied to optically distorted patterns, avoiding the pattern pre-processing step conducted so far while preserving the numerical efficiency of the Gauss-Newton algorithm. The correction implementation is first described and its numerical cost is assessed considering a homography-based HR-EBSD approach. The correction principle is validated numerically for various levels of first-order radial distortion over a wide range of disorientation angles (0 to 14°) and elastic strain (0 to 5×10−2). The errors induced when neglecting such distortions as well as the influence of both the radial distortion coefficient and the pattern centre and optical centre locations are quantified. Even when both reference and target patterns are distorted, the correction appears necessary whatever the disorientation between those patterns. The required accuracy on the true distortion parameters for an effective correction is consequently determined.

On the isoplanatic patch size in High Angular Resolution Techniques

To reach a high performance with an adaptive optics system, we need a calibration using a reference source. This latter should be located in the same isoplanatic domain as the science source. Different techniques and methods have been developed leading to estimations of the isoplanatic patch but all are model-dependent. We developed a new technique for the estimation of the isoplanatic angle based on an extended object. This technique is now part of our new turbulence profile monitor PML (Profiler of Moon Limb) based on the observation of the Moon limb or Sun edge. The first statistics of the isoplanatic angle with this new technique are presented and compared to the exiting techniques based on scintillation measurements or other turbulence parameters such as Fried parameter and/or C2n profile.

SPHERE view of Wolf-Rayet 104

Context. WR104 is an emblematic dusty Wolf-Rayet star and the prototypical member of a sub-group hosting spirals that are mainly observable with high-angular resolution techniques. Previous aperture masking observations showed that WR104 is likely to be an interacting binary star at the end of its life. However, several aspects of the system are still unknown. This includes the opening angle of the spiral, the dust formation locus, and the link between the central binary star and a candidate companion star detected with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) at 1′′. Aims. Our aim was to directly image the dusty spiral or “pinwheel” structure around WR104 for the first time and determine its physical properties at large spatial scales. We also wanted to address the characteristics of the candidate companion detected by the HST. Methods. For this purpose, we used SPHERE and VISIR at the Very Large Telescope to image the system in the near- and mid-infrared, respectively. Both instruments furnished an excellent view of the system at the highest angular resolution a single, ground-based telescope can provide. Based on these direct images, we then used analytical and radiative transfer models to determine several physical properties of the system. Results. Employing a different technique than previously used, our new images have allowed us to confirm the presence of the dust pinwheel around the central star. We have also detected up to five revolutions of the spiral pattern of WR104 in the K band for the first time. The circumstellar dust extends up to 2 arcsec from the central binary star in the N band, corresponding to the past 20 yr of mass loss. Moreover, we found no clear evidence of a shadow of the first spiral coil onto the subsequent ones, which likely points to a dusty environment less massive than inferred in previous studies. We have also confirmed that the stellar candidate companion previously detected by the HST is gravitationally bound to WR104 and herein provide information about its nature and orbital elements.

Zooming into the complex dusty envelopes of C-rich AGB stars

AbstractRecent advances in high-angular resolution instruments (VLT and VLTI, ALMA) have enabled us to delve deep into the circumstellar envelopes of AGB stars from the optical to the sub-mm wavelengths, thus allowing us to study in detail the gas and dust formation zones (e.g., their geometry, chemistry and kinematics). This work focuses on four (4) C-rich AGB stars observed with a high-angular resolution technique in the near-infrared: a multi-wavelength tomographic study of the dusty layers of the circumstellar envelopes of these C-rich stars, i.e. the variations in the morphology and temperature distribution.

Sparse aperture masking at the VLT

Context. The formation of planetary systems is a common, yet complex mechanism. Numerous stars have been identified to possess a debris disk, a proto-planetary disk or a planetary system. The understanding of such formation process requires the study of debris disks. These targets are substantial and particularly suitable for optical and infrared observations. Sparse Aperture masking (SAM) is a high angular resolution technique strongly contributing to probe the region from 30 to 200 mas around the stars. This area is usually unreachable with classical imaging, and the technique also remains highly competitive compared to vortex coronagraphy. Aims. We aim to study debris disks with aperture masking to probe the close environment of the stars. Our goal is either to find low mass companions, or to set detection limits. Methods. We observed eight stars presenting debris disks ( $\beta$ Pictoris, AU Microscopii, 49 Ceti, $\eta$ Telescopii, Fomalhaut, g Lupi, HD181327 and HR8799) with SAM technique on the NaCo instrument at the VLT. Results. No close companions were detected using closure phase information under 0.5 of separation from the parent stars. We obtained magnitude detection limits that we converted to Jupiter masses detection limits using theoretical isochrones from evolutionary models. Conclusions. We derived upper mass limits on the presence of companions in the area of few times the diffraction limit of the telescope around each target star.

Spectro-astrometry of LkCa 15 with X-Shooter: Searching for emission from LkCa 15b

Planet formation is one explanation for the partial clearing of dust observed in the disks of some T Tauri stars. Indeed studies using state-of-the-art high angular resolution techniques have very recently begun to observe planetary companions in these so-called transitional disks. The goal of this work is to use spectra of the transitional disk object LkCa 15 obtained with X-Shooter on the Very Large Telescope to investigate the possibility of using spectro-astrometry to detect planetary companions to T Tauri stars. It is argued that an accreting planet should contribute to the total emission of accretion tracers such as Hα and therefore planetary companions could be detected with spectro-astrometry in the same way as it has been used to detect stellar companions to young stars. A probable planetary-mass companion was recently detected in the disk of LkCa 15. Therefore, it is an ideal target for this pilot study. We studied several key accretion lines in the wavelength range 300 nm to 2.2 μ m with spectro-astrometry. While no spectro-astrometric signal is measured for any emission lines, the accuracy achieved in the technique is used to place an upper limit on the contribution of the planet to the flux of the Hα , Paγ , and Paβ lines. The derived upper limits on the flux allow an upper limit of the mass accretion rate, log (Ṁ acc ) = −8.9 to −9.3 for the mass of the companion between 6 M Jup and 15 M Jup , respectively, to be estimated (with some assumptions).

Olivier Chesneau's Work on Low Mass Stars

During his too short career, Olivier Chesneau pioneered the study of the circumstellar environments of low mass evolved stars using very high angular resolution techniques. He applied state of the art high angular resolution techniques, such as optical interferometry and adaptive optics imaging, to the the study of a variety of objects, from AGB stars to Planetary Nebulae, via e.g. Born Again stars, RCB stars and Novae. I present here an overview of this work and most important results by focusing on the paths he followed and key encounters he made to reach these results. Olivier liked to work in teams and was very strong at linking people with complementary expertises to whom he would communicate his enthusiasm and sharp ideas. His legacy will live on through the many people he inspired.

Olivier Chesneau's Work on Massive Stars

Olivier Chesneau challenged several fields of observational stellar astrophysics with bright ideas and an impressive amount of work to make them real in the span of his career, from his first paper on P Cygni in 2000, up to his last one on V838 Mon in 2014. He was using all the so-called high-angular resolution techniques since it helped his science to be made, namely study in details the inner structure of the environments around stars, be it small mass (AGBs), more massive (supergiant stars), or explosives (Novae). I will focus here on his work on massive stars.

AN IMAGE-PLANE ALGORITHM FORJWST'S NON-REDUNDANT APERTURE MASK DATA

The high angular resolution technique of non-redundant masking (NRM) or aperture masking interferometry (AMI) has yielded images of faint protoplanetary companions of nearby stars from the ground. AMI on James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)'s Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) has a lower thermal background than ground-based facilites and does not suffer from atmospheric instability. NIRISS AMI images are likely to have 90 - 95% Strehl ratio between 2.77 and 4.8 micron. In this paper we quantify factors that limit the raw point source contrast of JWST NRM. We develop an analytic model of the NRM point spread function which includes different optical path delays (pistons) between mask holes and fit the model parameters with image plane data. It enables a straightforward way to exclude bad pixels, is suited to limited fields of view, and can incorporate effects such as intra-pixel sensitivity variations. We simulate various sources of noise to estimate their effect on the standard deviation of closure phase, sigma_CP (a proxy for binary point source contrast). If sigma_CP < 10^-4 radians --- a contrast ratio of 10 magnitudes --- young accreting gas giant planets (e.g. in the nearby Taurus star-forming region) could be imaged with JWST NIRISS. We show the feasibility of using NIRISS' NRM with the sub-Nyquist sampled F277W, which would enable some exoplanet chemistry characterization. In the presence of small piston errors, the dominant sources of closure phase error (depending on pixel sampling, and filter bandwidth) are flat field errors and unmodeled variations in intra-pixel sensitivity. The in-flight stability of NIRISS will determine how well these errors can be calibrated by observing a point source. Our results help develop efficient observing strategies for space-based NRM.

Possible spatial asymmetry in semiregular variable UZ Arietis

Semi-regular variables (SRVs) though closely related to Mira variables, are a less studied class of AGB stars. While asymmetry in the brightness distribution of many Mira variables is fairly well known, it is detected only in a few SRVs. Asymmetry in the brightness distribution at the level of a few milliarcsecond (mas) can be detected by high angular resolution techniques like lunar occultations (LO), long baseline interferometry, and aperture masking interferometry. Multi-epoch LO observations have the potential to detect a departure of brightness profile from spherical symmetry. Each LO event provides a uniform disk (UD) angular diameter along the position angle of the occultation. Any significant difference in the UD angular diameter values of multi-epoch LO observations signifies a brightness asymmetry. In this paper, we report for the first time three epoch UD angular diameter values of a SRV UZ Arietis using the LO technique at 2.2 $\mu m$. Optical linear polarization of the source observed by us recently is also reported. The asymmetric brightness distribution of UZ Ari suggested by a small difference in the fitted UD values for the three epochs, is discussed in the context of optical polarization exhibited by the source and the direction of polarization axis in the plane of the sky.

The expanding dusty bipolar nebula around the nova V1280 Scorpi

V1280 Sco is one of the slowest dust-forming nova ever historically observed. We performed multi-epoch high-spatial resolution observations of the circumstellar dusty environment of V1280 Sco to investigate the level of asymmetry of the ejecta We observed V1280 Sco in 2009, 2010 and 2011 using unprecedented high angular resolution techniques. We used the NACO/VLT adaptive optics system in the J, H and K bands, together with contemporaneous VISIR/VLT mid-IR imaging that resolved the dust envelope of V1280 Sco, and SINFONI/VLT observations secured in 2011. We report the discovery of a dusty hourglass-shaped bipolar nebula. The apparent size of the nebula increased from 0.30" x 0.17" in July 2009 to 0.64" x 0.42" in July 2011. The aspect ratio suggests that the source is seen at high inclination. The central source shines efficiently in the K band and represents more than 56+/-5% of the total flux in 2009, and 87+/-6% in 2011. A mean expansion rate of 0.39+/-0.03 mas per day is inferred from the VISIR observations in the direction of the major axis, which represents a projected upper limit. Assuming that the dust shell expands in that direction as fast as the low-excitation slow ejecta detected in spectroscopy, this yields a lower limit distance to V1280 Sco of 1kpc; however, the systematic errors remain large due to the complex shape and velocity field of the dusty ejecta. The dust seems to reside essentially in the polar caps and no infrared flux is detected in the equatorial regions in the latest dataset. This may imply that the mass-loss was dominantly polar.

Temporal characterization of atmospheric turbulence with the Generalized Seeing Monitor instrument

The temporal behavior of atmospheric turbulence has been analyzed by means of angle-of-arrival (AA) fluctuation measurements. The temporal evolution of the main atmospheric optical parameters (AOP) have been studied in order to determine their stability. This is of interest because these AOP are necessary for the optimization of high angular resolution techniques. A new method of coherence time τ0 monitoring with the Generalized Seeing Monitor (GSM) is presented and the measurements obtained at major sites over the world are presented (La Silla, Cerro Pachon, Paranal, San Pedro Mártir, Mt Palomar, Mauna Kea, La Palma, Oukaïmeden, Maydanak).

Formation and evolution of planetary systems: the impact of high-angular resolution optical techniques

The direct images of giant extrasolar planets recently obtained around several main sequence stars represent a major step in the study of planetary systems. These high-dynamic range images are among the most striking results obtained by the current generation of high angular resolution instruments, which will be superseded by a new generation of instruments in the coming years. It is therefore an appropriate time to review the contributions of high angular resolution visible/infrared techniques to the rapidly growing field of extrasolar planetary science. During the last 20 years, the advent of the Hubble Space Telescope, of adaptive optics on 4- to 10-m class ground-based telescopes, and of long-baseline infrared stellar interferometry has opened a new viewpoint on the formation and evolution of planetary systems. By spatially resolving the optically thick circumstellar discs of gas and dust where planets are forming, these instruments have considerably improved our models of early circumstellar environments and have thereby provided new constraints on planet formation theories. High angular resolution techniques are also directly tracing the mechanisms governing the early evolution of planetary embryos and the dispersal of optically thick material around young stars. Finally, mature planetary systems are being studied with an unprecedented accuracy thanks to single-pupil imaging and interferometry, precisely locating dust populations and putting into light a whole new family of long-period giant extrasolar planets.

Estimating Crossing Fibers: A Tensor Decomposition Approach

Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a unique tool for non-invasive investigation of major nerve fiber tracts. Since the popular diffusion tensor (DT-MRI) model is limited to voxels with a single fiber direction, a number of high angular resolution techniques have been proposed to provide information about more diverse fiber distributions. Two such approaches are Q-Ball imaging and spherical deconvolution, which produce orientation distribution functions (ODFs) on the sphere. For analysis and visualization, the maxima of these functions have been used as principal directions, even though the results are known to be biased in case of crossing fiber tracts. In this paper, we present a more reliable technique for extracting discrete orientations from continuous ODFs, which is based on decomposing their higher-order tensor representation into an isotropic component, several rank-1 terms, and a small residual. Comparing to ground truth in synthetic data shows that the novel method reduces bias and reliably reconstructs crossing fibers which are not resolved as individual maxima in the ODF. We present results on both Q-Ball and spherical deconvolution data and demonstrate that the estimated directions allow for plausible fiber tracking in a real data set.

First statistics of the turbulence outer scale at Dome C

Context. The outer scale of wavefronts is of interest for the dimensioning and the optimisation of the High Angular Resolution techniques such as Interferometry and Adaptive Optics, particularly for the new generation of telescopes such as the Extremely Large Telescopes (ELT). Aims. We aim to provide the first statistics of the outer scale at Dome C site in Antarctica to finalize the characterization of this site. Methods. A new version of the Generalized Seeing Monitor has been developed for extremely cold conditions. Two DIMMs (Differential Image Motion Monitor) were coupled to extract Angle-of-Arrival (AA) fluctuations using CCD detectors. Correlations of these AA fluctuations for different baselines lead to outer scale estimations. Results. For the first time, statistics of the outer scale at Dome C are provided leading to small values in the surface layer at Dome C. These small outer scale values compared to temperate sites considerably reduce the fringe excursion of interferometers and the low orders of the normalized amplitude of atmospheric Zernike coefficients, particularly the tip-tilt. Conclusions. The Dome C small outer scale combined with the large coherence time and large isoplanatic angle are very useful for the development of Adaptive Optics systems and long-baseline interferometers.

High angular resolution millimeter observations of circumstellar disks

In this lecture, we review the properties of protoplanetary disks as derived from high angular resolution observations at millimeter wavelengths. We discuss how the combination of several different high angular resolution techniques allow us to probe different regions of the disk around young stellar objects and to derive the properties of the dust when combined with sophisticated disk models. The picture that emerges is that the dust in circumstellar disks surrounding pre-main sequence stars is in many cases significantly evolved compared to the dust in molecular clouds and the interstellar medium. It is however still difficult to derive a consistent picture and timeline for dust evolution in disks as the observations are still limited to small samples of objects. We also review the evidence for and properties of disks around high-mass young stellar objects and the implications on their formation mechanisms. The study of massive YSOs is complicated by their short lifetimes and larger average distances. In most cases high angular resolution data at millimeter wavelengths are the only method to probe the structure of disks in these objects. We provide a summary of the characteristics of available high angular resolution millimeter and submillimeter observatories. We also describe the characteristics of the ALMA observatory being constructed in the Chilean Andes. ALMA is going to be the world leading observatory at millimeter wavelengths in the coming decades, the project is now in its main construction phase with early science activities envisaged for 2010 and full science operations for 2012.

Interferential seeing monitor

Context. This work is a part of the development of observational instruments for the study of optical turbulence in the atmosphere. These instruments are developed for the optimization of high angular resolution and adaptive optics techniques. Aims. We present a new approach to estimate the astronomical seeing which is a fundamental parameter in high angular resolution, in adaptive optics and site testing. Based on this approach, we developed a simple low-cost seeing monitor, called Interferential Seeing Monitor (hereafter ISM). Methods. The principle of the ISM is based on the study of the diffraction-interference pattern produced by a Young's double-slit in a telescope focus. From the shape of that pattern, we determine the phase difference between the diffracted light rays that meet on the image plane. Then, the phase structure function is calculated which leads to the seeing value.Results. Two seeing measurement campaigns were carried out at Oukaimden observatory and the ENS de Marrakech site using this new seeing monitor and a DIMM monitor. The two results are in good agreement, which makes the ISM a reliable instrument.

A new analytical thin-dusty-shell model to interpret interferometric data

High angular resolution techniques allow the determination of physical and geometrical parameters characterizing the circumstellar dusty environment of late-type stars. The resolution of the radiative transfer equation under the thin-shell approximation provides an analytical expression for the interferometric visibility profile, which can then be compared to simple ad-hoc geometrical models and to physical models based on radiative transfer. Using the DUSTY numerical code to calculate theoretical visibilities of the Ss tarπ 1 Gru, in agreement with spectrophotometric measurements from the near to the far infrared, we compared the validity of the output parameters found by the χ 2 least-square analysis of the visibility, given with the thin-shell model and with a simple disk+ring geometrical model of the envelope. The results are discussed in terms of fitting the shape of the intensity profile and of the number of free parameters to be considered.