NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0139
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0139 |
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PI: Kevin Gullikson, University of Texas, kgulliks@astro.as.utexas.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1400, Austin, TX 78712-1205, USA
CoI: Sarah Dodson-Robinson, University of Texas
Title: A Search for Low-mass Stellar Companions to A and B-type Stars
Abstract: We propose to observe a sample of southern main sequence A- and B- type stars with high signal-to-noise ratio, high-resolution spectroscopy, in order to search for close low-mass companions. This type of companion is interesting both for its implications for planet formation around intermediate-mass stars, and because the low mass-ratio binary regime is nearly unexplored due to the large flux ratio between the primary and secondary star. We will cross-correlate the spectra obtained against model spectra for F- to M-type secondary stars; a detected companion will appear as a peak in the cross-correlation function. Two of our targets are known spectroscopic binaries, which we will use to validate the cross-correlation detection technique. We will use any detected companions to constrain the mass-ratio distribution of intermediate-mass binaries. We expect to be sensitive to mass ratios q\equiv M_s/M_p \gtrsim 0.06-0.15.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0139 |
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