Near-infrared Imaging Polarimetry Research Articles

Subaru Near-infrared Imaging Polarimetry of Misaligned Disks around the SR 24 Hierarchical Triple System*

Abstract The SR 24 multistar system hosts both circumprimary and circumsecondary disks, which are strongly misaligned with each other. The circumsecondary disk is circumbinary in nature. Interestingly, both disks are interacting, and they possibly rotate in opposite directions. To investigate the nature of this unique twin disk system, we present 0.″1 resolution near-infrared polarized intensity images of the circumstellar structures around SR 24, obtained with HiCIAO mounted on the Subaru 8.2 m telescope. Both the circumprimary disk and the circumsecondary disk are resolved and have elongated features. While the position angle of the major axis and radius of the near-IR (NIR) polarization disk around SR 24S are 55° and 137 au, respectively, those around SR 24N are 110° and 34 au, respectively. With regard to overall morphology, the circumprimary disk around SR 24S shows strong asymmetry, whereas the circumsecondary disk around SR 24N shows relatively strong symmetry. Our NIR observations confirm the previous claim that the circumprimary and circumsecondary disks are misaligned from each other. Both the circumprimary and circumsecondary disks show similar structures in 12CO observations in terms of its size and elongation direction. This consistency is because both NIR and 12CO are tracing surface layers of the flared disks. As the radius of the polarization disk around SR 24N is roughly consistent with the size of the outer Roche lobe, it is natural to interpret the polarization disk around SR 24N as a circumbinary disk surrounding the SR 24Nb–Nc system.

Near-infrared imaging polarimetry toward M 17 SWex

AbstractWe conducted near-infrared ($\mathit {JHK}_{\rm s}$) imaging polarimetry toward the infrared dark cloud (IRDC) M 17 SWex, including almost all of the IRDC filaments as well as its outskirts, with the polarimeter SIRPOL on the IRSF 1.4 m telescope. We revealed the magnetic fields of M 17 SWex with our polarization-detected sources that were selected by some criteria based on their near-IR colors and the column densities toward them, which were derived from the Herschel data. The selected sources indicate not only that the ordered magnetic field is perpendicular to the cloud elongation as a whole, but also that at both ends of the elongated cloud the magnetic field appears to be bent toward its central part, i.e., a large-scale hourglass-shaped magnetic field perpendicular to the cloud elongation. In addition to this general trend, the elongations of the filamentary subregions within the dense parts of the cloud appear to be mostly perpendicular to their local magnetic fields, while the magnetic fields of the outskirts appear to follow the thin filaments that protrude from the dense parts. The magnetic strengths were estimated to be ∼70–$300\, \mu$G in the subregions, of which the lengths and average number densities are ∼3–9 pc and ∼2–7 × 103 cm−3, respectively, by the Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi method with the angular dispersion of our polarization data and the velocity dispersion derived from the C18O (J = 1–0) data obtained by the Nobeyama 45 m telescope. These field configurations and our magnetic stability analysis of the subregions imply that the magnetic field has controlled the formation/evolution of the M 17 SWex cloud.

Investigating the origin of the spectral line profiles of the Hot Wolf–Rayet Star WR 2

The hot WN star WR2 (HD6327) has been claimed to have many singular characteristics. To explain its unusually rounded and relatively weak emission line profiles, it has been proposed that WR2 is rotating close to break-up with a magnetically confined wind. Alternatively, the line profiles could be explained by the dilution of WR2's spectrum by that of a companion. In this paper, we present a study of WR2 using near-infrared AO imaging and optical spectroscopy and polarimetry. Our spectra reveal the presence of weak photospheric absorption lines from a ~B2.5-4V companion, which however contributes only ~5-10% to the total light, suggesting that the companion is a background object. Therefore, its flux cannot be causing any significant dilution of the WR star's emission lines. The absence of intrinsic linear continuum polarization from WR2 does not support the proposed fast rotation. Our Stokes V spectrum was not of sufficient quality to test the presence of a moderately strong organized magnetic field but our new modelling indicates that to confine the wind the putative magnetic field must be significantly stronger than was previously suggested sufficiently strong as to make its presence implausible.

Near-infrared High-resolution Imaging Polarimetry of FU Ori-type Objects: Toward a Unified Scheme for Low-mass Protostellar Evolution*

Abstract We present near-IR imaging polarimetry of five classical FU Ori-type objects (FU Ori, V1057 Cyg, V1515 Cyg, V1735 Cyg, Z CMa) with an ∼0.″1 resolution observed using HiCIAO+AO188 at the Subaru Telescope. We observed scattered light associated with circumstellar dust around four of them (i.e., all but V1515 Cyg). Their polarized intensity distribution shows a variety of morphologies with arms, tails or streams, spikes, and fragmented distributions, many of which were reported in our previous paper. The morphologies of these reflection nebulae significantly differ from many other normal young stellar objects (Class I–II objects). These structures are attributed to gravitationally unstable disks, trails of clump ejections, dust blown by a wind or a jet, and a stellar companion. We can consistently explain our results with the scenario that their accretion outbursts (FUor outbursts) are triggered by gravitationally fragmenting disks, and with the hypothesis that many low-mass young stellar objects experience such outbursts.

Magnetic field structures in star-forming regions revealed by imaging polarimetry at multi-wavelengths

AbstractMagnetic fields are ubiquitous in various scales of astronomical objects, and they are considered as playing significant roles from star to galaxy formations. However, the role of the magnetic fields in star forming regions is less well understood because conventional optical polarimetry is hampered by heavy extinction by dust. We have been conducting extensive near-infrared polarization survey of various star-forming regions from low- and intermediate-mass to high-mass star-forming regions, using IRSF/SIRPOL in South Africa. Not only linear but also circular polarizations have been measured for more than a dozen of regions. Both linear and circular polarimetric observations at near-infrared wavelengths are useful tools to study the magnetic fields in star forming regions, although infrared circular polarimetry has been less explored so far. In this presentation, we summarize our results of the near-infrared polarization survey of star forming regions and its comparison with recent submillimeter polarimetry results. Such multi-wavelength approaches can be extended to the polarimetry using ALMA, SPICA in future, and others. We also present our recent results of the first near-infrared imaging polarimetry of young stellar objects in the Circinus molecular cloud, which has been less studied but a very intriguing cluster containing numerous signs of active low-mass star formation.

First Near-infrared Imaging Polarimetry of Young Stellar Objects in the Circinus Molecular Cloud

First Near-infrared Imaging Polarimetry of Young Stellar Objects in the Circinus Molecular Cloud

MAGNETIC FIELD OF THE VELA C MOLECULAR CLOUD

ABSTRACT We have performed extensive near-infrared (JHK s) imaging polarimetry toward the Vela C molecular cloud, which covers the five high-density sub-regions (North, Centre-Ridge, Centre-Nest, South-Ridge, and South-Nest) with distinct morphological characteristics. The obtained polarization vector map shows that three of these sub-regions have distinct plane-of-the-sky (POS) magnetic-field characteristics according to the morphological characteristics. (1) In the Centre-Ridge sub-region, a dominating ridge, the POS magnetic field is mostly perpendicular to the ridge. (2) In the Centre-Nest sub-region, a structure having a slightly extended nest of filaments, the POS magnetic field is nearly parallel to its global elongation. (3) In the South-Nest sub-region, which has a network of small filaments, the POS magnetic field appears to be chaotic. By applying the Chandrasekhar–Fermi method, we derived the POS magnetic field strength as ∼70–310 μG in the Centre-Ridge, Centre-Nest, and South-Ridge sub-regions. In the South-Nest sub-region, the dispersion of polarization angles is too large to apply the C-F method. Because the velocity dispersion in this sub-region is not greater than those in the other sub-regions, we suggest that the magnetic field in this sub-region is weaker than those in other sub-regions. We also discuss the relationship between the POS magnetic field (configuration and strength) and the cloud structure of each sub-region.

NEAR-INFRARED IMAGING POLARIMETRY OF GGD 27: CIRCULAR POLARIZATION AND MAGNETIC FIELD STRUCTURES

ABSTRACT Near-infrared imaging polarimetry in the J, H, and K s bands was carried out for GGD 27 in the dark cloud Lynds 291. Details of an infrared reflection nebula associated with the optical nebulosity GGD 27 and the infrared nebula GGD 27 IRS are presented. Aperture photometry of 1263 point-like sources, detected in all three bands, was used to classify them based on a color–color diagram, and the linear polarization of several hundred sources was determined, with the latter used to map the magnetic field structure around GGD 27. This field, around GGD 27 IRS, appears to be associated with the extended CO outflow of IRAS 18162–2048; however, there are partly distorted or bent components in the field. The Chandrasekhar–Fermi method gives an estimate of the magnetic field strength as ∼90 μG. A region associated with GGD 27 IRS is discovered to have a circular polarization in the range of ∼2%–11% in the K s band. The circular polarization has an asymmetric positive/negative pattern and extends out to ∼ 120″ or 1.0 pc. The circular and linear polarization patterns are explained as resulting from a combination of dense inner and fainter outer lobes, suggesting episodic outflow.

Near-infrared imaging polarimetry of LkCa 15: A possible warped inner disk.

We present high-contrast H-band polarized intensity images of the transitional disk around the young solar-like star LkCa 15. By utilizing Subaru/HiCIAO for polarimetric differential imaging, the angular resolution and the inner working angle reach 0.07 and r = 0″.1, respectively. We obtained a clearly resolved gap (width ≲ 27 au) at ~48 au from the central star. This gap is consistent with images reported in previous studies. We also confirmed the existence of a bright inner disk with a misaligned position angle of 13° ±4° with respect to that of the outer disk, i.e., the inner disk is possibly warped. The large gap and the warped inner disk both point to the existence of a multiple planetary system with a mass of ≲ 1 M Jup.

A Study of Magnetic Fields on Bright-Rimmed Clouds

AbstractWe have made near-infrared (JHKs) imaging polarimetry toward 24 bright-rimmed clouds in the southern hemisphere in order to reveal their magnetic field structures. The obtained polarization vector maps show that the magnetic field directions inside the bright rim are different from its ambient magnetic field direction, implying that magnetic field structures just inside the ionized front of the clouds are due to the gas compression by UV radiation from nearby massive star. Our investigation into the relation between the magnetic field configuration and the shape of the cloud suggests that the magnetic field configuration affects the evolution of the cloud shape.

NEAR-IR IMAGING POLARIMETRY TOWARD A BRIGHT-RIMMED CLOUD: MAGNETIC FIELD IN SFO 74

We have made near-infrared (JHKs) imaging polarimetry of a bright-rimmed cloud (SFO 74). The polarization vector maps clearly show that the magnetic field in the layer just behind the bright rim is running along the rim, quite different from its ambient magnetic field. The direction of the magnetic field just behind the tip rim is almost perpendicular to that of the incident UV radiation, and the magnetic field configuration appears to be symmetric as a whole with respect to the cloud symmetry axis. We estimated the column and number densities in the two regions (just inside and far inside the tip rim), and then derived the magnetic field strength, applying the Chandrasekhar-Fermi method. The estimated magnetic field strength just inside the tip rim, ~90 uG, is stronger than that far inside, ~30 uG. This suggests that the magnetic field strength just inside the tip rim is enhanced by the UV radiation induced shock. The shock increases the density within the top layer around the tip, and thus increases the strength of the magnetic field. The magnetic pressure seems to be comparable to the turbulent one just inside the tip rim, implying a significant contribution of the magnetic field to the total internal pressure. The mass-to-flux ratio was estimated to be close to the critical value just inside the tip rim. We speculate that the flat-topped bright rim of SFO 74 could be formed by the magnetic field effect.

SURFACE GEOMETRY OF PROTOPLANETARY DISKS INFERRED FROM NEAR-INFRARED IMAGING POLARIMETRY

We present a new method of analysis for determining the surface geometry of five protoplanetary disks observed with near-infrared imaging polarimetry using Subaru-HiCIAO. Using as inputs the observed distribution of polarized intensity (PI), disk inclination, assumed properties for dust scattering, and other reasonable approximations, we calculate a differential equation to derive the surface geometry. This equation is numerically integrated along the distance from the star at a given position angle. We show that, using these approximations, the local maxima in the PI distribution of spiral arms (SAO 206462, MWC 758) and rings (2MASS J16042165-2130284, PDS 70) are associated with local concave-up structures on the disk surface. We also show that the observed presence of an inner gap in scattered light still allows the possibility of a disk surface that is parallel to the light path from the star, or a disk that is shadowed by structures in the inner radii. Our analysis for rings does not show the presence of a vertical inner wall as often assumed in studies of disks with an inner gap. Finally, we summarize the implications of spiral and ring structures as potential signatures of ongoing planet formation.

NEAR-INFRARED POLARIMETRY OF THE EDGE-ON GALAXY NGC 891

The edge-on galaxy NGC 891 was probed using near-infrared (NIR) imaging polarimetry in the H-band (1.6 um) with the Mimir instrument on the 1.8 m Perkins Telescope. Polarization was detected with signal-to-noise ratio greater than three out to a surface brightness of 18.8 mag arcsec^-2. The unweighted average and dispersion in polarization percentage (P) across the full disk were 0.7% and 0.3%, respectively, and the same quantities for polarization position angle (P.A.) were 12 deg and 19 deg, respectively. At least one polarization null point, where P falls nearly to zero, was detected in the NE disk but not the SW disk. Several other asymmetries in P between the northern and southern disk were found and may be related to spiral structure. Profiles of P and P.A. along the minor axis of NGC 891 suggest a transition from magnetic (B) field tracing dichroic polarization near the disk mid-plane to scattering dominated polarization off the disk mid-plane. A comparison between NIR P.A. and radio (3.6 cm) synchrotron polarization P.A. values revealed similar B-field orientations in the central-northeast region, which suggests that the hot plasma and cold, star-forming interstellar medium may share a common B-field. Disk-perpendicular polarizations previously seen at optical wavelengths are likely caused by scattered light from the bright galaxy center and are unlikely to be tracing poloidal B-fields in the outer disk.

Near-infrared imaging polarimetry of HD 142527

HD 142527 is a pre-transition disk with strong evidence for on-going planet formation. Recent observations show a disrupted disk with spiral arms, a dust-depleted inner cavity and the possible presence of gas streams driving gas from the outer disk towards the central star. We aim to derive the morphology of the disk, as well as the distribution and properties of the dust at its surface. We have obtained polarized differential images of HD 142527 at $H$ and $Ks$ bands with NaCo at the VLT. Combining these images with classical PSF-subtraction, we are able to derive the polarization degree of this disk. At $H$ band the polarization degree of the disk varies between 10% and 25%. This result cannot be reproduced by dust distributions containing highly porous material. The polarization is better matched by distributions of compact particles, with maximum sizes at least up to a few microns, in agreement with previous observations. We also observe two regions of low emission (nulls) in total and in polarized intensity. In particular, one of these nulls is at roughly the same position as the maximum of the horse-shoe shape observed in sub-millimeter continuum emission ALMA Band-7 (345 GHz) observations. We discuss the possible link between both features.

HIGH-CONTRAST NEAR-INFRARED IMAGING POLARIMETRY OF THE PROTOPLANETARY DISK AROUND RY TAU

We present near-infrared coronagraphic imaging polarimetry of RY Tau. The scattered light in the circumstellar environment was imaged at H-band at a high resolution (~0".05) for the first time, using Subaru-HiCIAO. The observed polarized intensity (PI) distribution shows a butterfly-like distribution of bright emission with an angular scale similar to the disk observed at millimeter wavelengths. This distribution is offset toward the blueshifted jet, indicating the presence of a geometrically thick disk or a remnant envelope, and therefore the earliest stage of the Class II evolutionary phase. We perform comparisons between the observed PI distribution and disk models with: (1) full radiative transfer code, using the spectral energy distribution (SED) to constrain the disk parameters; and (2) monochromatic simulations of scattered light which explore a wide range of parameters space to constrain the disk and dust parameters. We show that these models cannot consistently explain the observed PI distribution, SED, and the viewing angle inferred by millimeter interferometry. We suggest that the scattered light in the near-infrared is associated with an optically thin and geometrically thick layer above the disk surface, with the surface responsible for the infrared SED. Half of the scattered light and thermal radiation in this layer illuminates the disk surface, and this process may significantly affect the thermal structure of the disk.

THE OUTER MAGNETIC FIELD OF L183

The L183 (= L134N) dark molecular cloud has been probed using deep near-infrared imaging polarimetry of stars to beyond 14 mag in H band (1.6 μm), using the Mimir instrument on the 1.83 m Perkins Telescope. Nearly 400 arcmin2 were surveyed, including the dense core in L183, as seen in WISE Band 3 (12 μm) extinction, and the near surroundings, revealing 35 stars with either detected polarizations or significant upper limits. Stars with detected polarizations are reddened if closer than 8 arcmin (0.25 pc at the 110 pc cloud distance) and unreddened beyond. The polarimetric sample probes as close to the core as 3 arcmin (0.1 pc), where AV ~ 14 mag. Compared to the relatively unextincted surrounding stars, the reddened stars show no increase in polarization with extinction, suggesting that all of the polarization is induced in the outer layers of the cloud. This 0.25 pc radius envelope magnetic field does show a strong interaction with the L183 dark cloud. The envelope field is also virtually perpendicular, on the plane of the sky, to the field seen at 850 μm, though more closely aligned with the rotation axis of the dense gas core. The physical size scale at which the envelope and the core magnetic fields either decouple from each other or strongly modify their directions must be inside the 0.1 pc region probed here.

COMPLEX SCATTERED RADIATION FIELDS AND MULTIPLE MAGNETIC FIELDS IN THE PROTOSTELLAR CLUSTER IN NGC 2264

Near-infrared (IR) imaging polarimetry in the J, H, and Ks bands has been carried out for the protostellar cluster region around NGC 2264 IRS 2 in the Monoceros OB1 molecular cloud. Various infrared reflection nebulae clusters (IRNCs) associated with NGC 2264 IRS 2 and IRAS 12 S1 core were detected as well as local infrared reflection nebulae (IRNe). The illuminating sources of the IRNe were identified with known or new near- and mid-IR sources. In addition, 314 point-like sources were detected in all three bands and their aperture polarimetry was studied. Using a color-color diagram, reddened field stars and diskless pre-main sequence stars were selected to trace the magnetic field (MF) structure of the molecular cloud. The mean polarization position angle of the point-like sources is 81 \pm 29 degree in the cluster core, and 58 \pm 24 degree in the perimeter of the cluster core, which is interpreted as the projected direction on the sky of the MF in the observed region of the cloud. The Chandrasekhar-Fermi method gives a rough estimate of the MF strength to be about 100 {\mu}G. A comparison with recent numerical simulations of the cluster formation implies that the cloud dynamics is controlled by the relatively strong MF. The local MF direction is well associated with that of CO outflow for IRAS 12 S1 and consistent with that inferred from submillimeter polarimetry. In contrast, the local MF direction runs roughly perpendicular to the Galactic MF direction.

EVIDENCE FOR AN EDGE-ON DISK AROUND THE YOUNG STAR MWC 778 FROM INFRARED IMAGING AND POLARIMETRY

MWC 778 is an unusual and little-studied young stellar object located in the IC 2144 nebula. Recent spectroscopy by Herbig and Vacca (2008) suggested the presence of an edge-on circumstellar disk around it. We present near-infrared adaptive optics imaging polarimetry and mid-infrared imaging which directly confirm the suspected nearly-edge-on disk around MWC 778 (i ~ 70-80 degrees) plus reveal a more extensive envelope pierced by bipolar outflow cavities. In addition, our mid-infrared images and near-infrared polarization maps detect a spiral-shaped structure surrounding MWC 778, with arms that extend beyond 6 on either side of the star. Although MWC 778 has previously been classified as an Herbig Ae/Be star, the properties of its central source (including its spectral type) remain fairly uncertain. Herbig & Vacca (2008) suggested an F or G spectral type based on the presence of metallic absorption lines in the optical spectrum, which implies that MWC 778 may belong to the fairly rare class of Intermediate-Mass T Tauri Stars (IMTTSs) which are the evolutionary precursors to Herbig Ae/Be objects. Yet its integrated bolometric luminosity, > 750 L_sun (for an assumed distance of 1 kpc) is surprisingly high for an F or G spectral type, even for an IMTTS. We speculate on several possible explanations for this discrepancy, including its true distance being much closer than 1 kpc, the presence of a binary companion, and/or a non-stellar origin for the observed absorption lines.

High-Accuracy Near-infrared Imaging Polarimetry with NICMOS

ABSTRACTThe findings of a nine-orbit calibration plan carried out during HST Cycle 15, to fully determine the NICMOS camera 2 (2.0 μm) polarization calibration to high accuracy, are reported. Recently Ueta et al. and Batcheldor et al. have suggested that NICMOS possesses a residual instrumental polarization at a level of 1.2%–1.5%. This would completely inhibit the data reduction in a number of GO programs, and hamper the ability of the instrument to perform high-accuracy polarimetry. We obtained polarimetric calibration observations of three polarimetric standards at three spacecraft roll angles separated by ∼60°. Combined with archival data, these observations were used to characterize the residual instrumental polarization in order for NICMOS to reach its full potential of accurate imaging polarimetry at p ≈ 1%. Using these data, we place an 0.6% upper limit on the instrumental polarization and calculate values of the parallel transmission coefficients that reproduce the ground-based results for the polarimetric standards. The uncertainties associated with the parallel transmission coefficients, a result of the photometric repeatability of the observations, are seen to dominate the accuracy of p and θ. However, the updated coefficients do allow imaging polarimetry of targets with p ≈ 1.0% at an accuracy of ± 0.6% and ± 15°. This work enables a new caliber of science with HST.

Identification of the Exciting Source of CO Outflow in the Star-Formation Region GGD 12-15

Abstract We present results of near-infrared imaging polarimetry of the GGD 12-15 region with the IRSF 1.4m telescope and the SIRIUS camera/SIRPOL polarimeter and mid-infrared imaging with the AKARI telescope and the Infra-Red Camera (IRC). Two infrared sources, IRS 9E and IRS 9M near an H$_{\mathrm{2}}$O maser source situated on both sides around a VLA source (VLA 7), have been believed to be two bipolar lobes associated with a massive CO outflow. However, our polarimetric observations have revealed that IRS 9E is stellar-like, and not part of a reflection nebula. Furthermore, IRS 9M itself is not stellar, but a bipolar nebula, extending north-south. Both polarization vector maps and polarized intensity images show that the true illuminating source, IRS 9Mc, is not resolved, and is situated near the peak of the intensity image. Our astrometry also indicates that the position of IRS 9Mc does not coincide with the water maser position, but rather coincides with the VLA 7 position. We suggest that the unresolved illuminating source IRS 9Mc is the true exciting source of the CO outflow, corresponding to a mid-infrared source detected by AKARI with a lower spatial resolution. Fluxes of the newly identified source at 1 to 11$\mu$m were derived by separating contributions from nearby infrared sources; the spectral energy distribution is consistent with that of a class I/0 source.