High Contrast Thermal Infrared Spectroscopy with ALES: The 3-4$\mu$m Spectrum of $\kappa$ Andromedae b

TL;DR

This study presents the first L-band spectroscopy of the exoplanet $ppa$ Andromedae b, combining new data with previous measurements to analyze its atmosphere, revealing a fainter L-band flux and suggesting complex cloud properties and possible sub-solar metallicity.

Contribution

First L-band spectroscopy of $ppa$ Andromedae b, combining multiple datasets to refine atmospheric characterization and highlight discrepancies with existing models.

Findings

$ppa$ Andromedae b has a fainter L-band flux than previously reported.

Atmospheric models with extended clouds and small grains fit the data well.

Possible sub-solar metallicity indicated if the brighter L'-band flux is accurate.

Abstract

We present the first $L-$band (2.8 to 4.1~$\mu$m) spectroscopy of $\kappa$~Andromedae~b, a $\sim20~M_{\mathrm{Jup}}$ companion orbiting at $1^{\prime\prime}$ projected separation from its B9-type stellar host. We combine our Large Binocular Telescope ALES integral field spectrograph data with measurements from other instruments to analyze the atmosphere and physical characteristics of $\kappa$~And~b. We report a discrepancy of $\sim20\%$ ($2\sigma$) in the $L^{\prime}$ flux of $\kappa$~And~b when comparing to previously published values. We add an additional $L^{\prime}$ constraint using an unpublished imaging dataset collected in 2013 using LBTI/LMIRCam, the instrument in which the ALES module has been built. The LMIRCam measurement is consistent with the ALES measurement, both suggesting a fainter $L$-band scaling than previous studies. The data, assuming the flux scaling measured by ALES and LMIRCam imaging, are well fit by an L3-type brown dwarf. Atmospheric model fits to measurements spanning 0.9-4.8~$\mu$m reveal some tension with the predictions of evolutionary models, but the proper choice of cloud parameters can provide some relief. In particular, models with clouds extending to very-low pressures composed of grains $\leq1~\mu$m appear to be necessary. If the brighter $L^{\prime}$ photometry is accurate, there is a hint that sub-solar metallicity may be required.