(Proposal ID) S17B-093

(PI) Currie, Thayne

(Proposal Title)
Deep SCExAO/CHARIS Imaging and Spectral Characterization of Benchmark Debris 
Disks

(Abstract)
We propose deep SCExAO/CHARIS and VAMPIRES observations of benchmark (planet-
forming) debris disks previously resolved in H band/1.6 microns with the 
HiCIAO infrared camera using AO188 (2009-2014) or S16B SCExAO commissioning 
data. As demonstrated from last year's SCExAO commissioning data, SCExAO's 
extreme AO correction allow us to resolve disk regions at a fraction of the 
angular separation achievable with AO188/comparable facilities; CHARIS and 
VAMPIRES yield new disk spectra and polarimetry, not just single-band total 
intensity imaging. By resolving disks over a far wide angular extent than 
before, our program will clarify the dust scattering properties of these debris
disks. CHARIS JHK spectra of the disks will provide key glimpses into their 
dust compositions, capable of distinguishing between water-ice rich and water-
ice poor dust, and an assessment of whether these disks are more similar to 
the Kuiper belt or to dust in the interstellar medium. Finally, the vastly 
improved planet-to-star contrasts -- 10--100x better than AO 188 at r < 0.5"
-- could allow us to image superjovian-mass planets that make these debris 
disks visible. This program provides {necessary and critical} support to an 
accepted Subaru Project Fellow initiative.