SCExAO/CHARIS Near-infrared Integral Field Spectroscopy of the HD 15115 Debris Disk

Abstract

We present new, near-infrared (1.1-2.4 mu m) high-contrast imaging of the debris disk around HD 15115 with the Subaru Coronagraphic Extreme Adaptive Optics (SCExAO) system coupled with the Coronagraphic High Angular Resolution Imaging Spectrograph (CHARIS). The SCExAO/CHARIS resolves the disk down to rho similar to 02 (r(proj) similar to 10 au), a factor of similar to 3-5 smaller than previous recent studies. We derive a disk position angle of PA similar to 2794-2805 and an inclination ofi similar to 853-86.2. While recent SPHERE/IRDIS imagery of the system could suggest a significantly misaligned two-ring disk geometry, CHARIS imagery does not reveal conclusive evidence for this hypothesis. Moreover, optimizing models of both one- and two-ring geometries using differential evolution, we find that a single ring having a Hong-like scattering phase function matches the data equally well within the CHARIS field of view (rho less than or similar to 1 ''). The disk's asymmetry, well evidenced at larger separations, is also recovered; the west side of the disk appears, on average, around 0.4 mag brighter across the CHARIS bandpass between 025 and 1 ''. Comparing Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) 50CCD optical photometry (2000-10500 A) with CHARIS near-infrared photometry, we find a red (STIS/50CCD-CHARIS broadband) color for both sides of the disk throughout the 04-1 '' region of overlap, in contrast to the blue color reported at similar wavelengths for regions exterior to similar to 2 ''. Further, this color may suggest a smaller minimum grain size than previously estimated at larger separations. Finally, we provide constraints on planetary companions and discuss possible mechanisms for the observed inner disk flux asymmetry and color.