Resolved observations of transition disks

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent high-resolution observations of transition disks, highlighting non-Keplerian flows, disk asymmetries, and dust trapping, which shed light on the origins of gaps and cavities in protoplanetary disks.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive summary of recent observational advances and discusses future prospects for understanding transition disk structures.

Findings

Evidence of non-Keplerian flows and warped structures in disks

Detection of asymmetries indicating dust trapping mechanisms

Insights into the role of accretion and dust segregation in cavity formation

Abstract

Resolved observations are bringing new constraints on the origin of radial gaps in protoplanetary disks. The kinematics, sampled in detail in one case-study, are indicative of non-Keplerian flows, corresponding to warped structures and accretion which may both play a role in the development of cavities. Disk asymmetries seen in the radio continuum are being interpreted in the context of dust segregation via aerodynamic trapping. We summarise recent observational progress, and also describe prospects for improvements in the near term.