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S18B0017abst

S18B0017

We propose to complete our SCExAO/CHARIS program on deep imaging and spectroscopy of benchmark (planet-forming) debris disks previously resolved in H band/1.6 Β΅ m with the HiCIAO infrared camera plus AO188 or with SCExAO. Our program has successfully yielded images of three of our five targets and has spawned two papers in preparation for publication. Our request focuses on the brightest of these disks (HD 32297) and one discovered with SCExAO (HD 36546). SCExAO’s extreme AO correction allow us to resolve disk regions at a fraction of the angular separation achievable with AO188/comparable facilities; CHARIS yields new disk spectra, 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.

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