The possiblity of detection of ultracool dwarfs with the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey

N. R. Deacon, N. C. Hambly

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    18 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We present predictions for the numbers of ultracool dwarfs in the Galactic disc population that could be detected by the WFCAM/UKIDSS Large Area Survey and Ultra Deep Survey. Simulated samples of objects are created with masses and ages drawn from different mass functions and birthrates. Each object is then given absolute magnitudes in different passbands based on empirically derived bolometric correction versus effective temperature relationships (or model predictions for Y dwarfs). These are then combined with simulated space positions, velocities and photometric errors to yield observables such as apparent magnitudes and proper motions. Such observables are then passed through the survey selection mechanism to yield histograms in colour. This technique also produces predictions for the proper motion histograms for ultracool dwarfs and estimated numbers for the as yet undetected Y dwarfs. Finally, it is shown that these techniques could be used to constrain the ultra-low-mass mass function and birthrate of the Galactic disc population.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1722-1730
    Number of pages9
    JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
    Volume371
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2006

    Keywords

    • Astrometry
    • Infrared: stars
    • Stars: low-mass, brown dwarfs
    • Stars: luminosity function, mass function
    • Surveys

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The possiblity of detection of ultracool dwarfs with the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this