Magnetic fields in M dwarf stars from high-resolution infrared spectra
Kochukhov, O.; Heiter, U.; Piskunov, N.; Ryde, Nils, et al. (2009). Magnetic fields in M dwarf stars from high-resolution infrared spectra AIP Conference Proceedings, 1094,, 124 - 129. Cool stars, stellar systems and the sun. Proceedings of the 15th Cambridge Workshop: American Institute of Physics (AIP)
Conference Proceeding/Paper
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Published
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English
Authors:
Kochukhov, O.
;
Heiter, U.
;
Piskunov, N.
;
Ryde, Nils
, et al.
Department:
Lund Observatory - Has been reorganised
Observational and Theoretical Astrophysics-lup-obsolete
Research Group:
Observational and Theoretical Astrophysics-lup-obsolete
Abstract:
Magnetic fields play a central role in the atmospheric properties and variability of active M dwarfs. Information on the strength and structure of magnetic fields in these objects is vital for understanding dynamo mechanisms and magnetically-driven activity of low-mass stars, and for constraining theories of star formation and evolution. We have initiated the first systematic high-resolution survey of magnetically sensitive infrared spectral lines in M dwarf stars using the CRIRES instrument at the ESO VLT. We have completed observations for a sample of 35 active and inactive M dwarfs. Here we report first results of our project, demonstrating a clear detection of magnetic splitting of lines in the spectra of several M dwarfs. We assess diagnostic potential of different Zeeman-sensitive lines in the observed spectral region and apply spectrum synthesis modelling to infer magnetic field properties of selected M dwarfs.
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