Untitled - Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de l'Observatoire de Grenoble

data to verify the predictions we are making today regarding the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks
(e.g., dust settling, grain growth, planetesimal formation). PLANET FINDER and VITRUV will complete these
data sets and models by providing images with unprecedented resolution and contrast.
One aspect of our activities that will be new is the study of mineralogy in disks. With instruments like NACO,
VISIR, and SPITZER, we expect to improve our knowledge of the dust properties in disks (size, composition).
This is needed to remove the usual assumption that grains are ISM-like and spherical in disks...
In the field of IMF and low-mass stars we will push further our studies of the substellar populations
by looking for planet-mass objects with large surveys like UKIDSS and the WIRCAM Key project we have
proposed. In the Galactic field, the CFHT-LS will be exploited (and completed by programmes led by FOST
members) to look for the coolest objects, the T-dwarfs and the ammonia-dwarfs (or Y-dwarfs).
In parallel with statistical studies, we consider it important to start studying the individual properties
of these poorly known objects. Masses, metallicities, effective temperatures, etc., will be gathered. Their
atmospheres will be probed by polarimetry (already started, e.g., Ménard et al. 2002) and spectroscopy. We
do no have the expertise yet for the interpretation of planetary atmospheres. Filling that gap is a priority.
In the field of Extra-Solar planets the search for extremely low-mass companions will continue and their
characterisation will ramp up in our work load. With the current instrumentation, these companions offer pretty
much our only chance to detect direct photons from a planet-mass object external to our Solar system. Much
has to be learnt.
HARPS on the ESO 3.60m and soon SOPHIE at OHP will also improve our sample of planets around M
and A dwarfs to a point where statistical studies and follow-ups will become possible. We expect to play a
leading role in both aspects. Both programmes are very recent. They were described in our activity report and
will be carried on for most of the period covered by the present research plan.
To characterise the exo-planets, interferometry will play a large role in our future programmes. It will be
used to derive astrometric masses for numerous objects (with PRIMA for example).
7.2 Needs in personnel
The range of expertise within FOST is broad. New results, often at the very forefront of competitive fields,
are obtained regularly by FOST and progress is being made rapidly. It is therefore difficult, at the present
time, to know exactly what our needs will be terms of personnel in the years to come. Still, a few “profiles”
are emerging, involving specific expertise, that would fulfill forecasted needs in FOST. But by no means should
these few “profiles” be considered definitive or restrictive. Actually, there is much to bet that new needs will
emerge as we make progress, as is normal in science.
It is easy to imagine that very specific competences to deal with continuum radiative transfer (for Herschel
& ALMA) coupled with PLANET FINDER and VITRUV might become needed. Similarly, the latter two
instruments might trigger the need for a data reduction specialist in high contrast, high resolution imaging to
favor full scientific return. On the other hand, dealing with extremely large databases (like those involved in
our current surveys) also requires very specific competences that might become critical a few years down the
road. So clearly, new needs will emerge that we cannot predict today.
Nevertheless, a few profiles can be identified today that would fulfill needs within FOST. They should be
seen as a starting point for our list of requirements in personnel.
• Detection of exoplanets and statistical properties (urgent: 2007-2008)
The French planet hunters have access to the best instruments to measure radial velocities (e.g., SOPHIE
& HARPS). These efficient spectrographs allow to study large samples. Statistical properties can be
derived and planet formation theories tested. LAOG is leading the search for planets around M- and
A-dwarfs in Europe. The analysis work is done as part of two PhD thesis currently under way in FOST
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