The Outer Cut-Off of the Giant Planet Population and the 6pc-Survey

TL;DR

This study uses novel L-band imaging techniques in two surveys to constrain the distribution of giant planets, revealing a truncation at 30 AU and demonstrating the potential for direct imaging of planets around nearby stars.

Contribution

It introduces a new high-contrast imaging method and provides the first constraints on giant planet distribution within 30 AU, including direct imaging prospects for nearby M-dwarfs.

Findings

Giant planet population is truncated at 30 AU or less with 90% confidence.

L-band imaging enables detection of planets in orbits similar to Jupiter around nearby stars.

First direct imaging potential of planets around M-dwarfs within 6 parsecs.

Abstract

We present results from two high-contrast imaging surveys that exploit a novel technique, L-band angular differential imaging. Our first survey targeted 21 young stars in the Beta Pic and Tuc-Hor moving groups with VLT/NACO reaching typical sensitivities of <1 MJup at r > 20 AU. The statistical analysis of the null result demonstrates that the giant planet population is truncated at 30 AU or less (90% confidence level). Our second, on-going MMT/Clio survey utilizes the unique sensitivity achieved in the L-band for old planets to probe all M-dwarf stars within 6 pc. The proximity of these targets enables direct imaging of planets in orbits like Jupiter for the first time - a key step for directly imaging giant planets.