The First Vlbi Detection of an Ultracool Dwarf: Implications for the Detectability of Sub-Stellar Companions

Abstract

We present milliarcsecond-resolution radio very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the ultracool dwarfs TVLM 513–46546 (M8.5) and 2MASS J00361617+1821104 (L3.5) in an attempt to detect sub-stellar companions via direct imaging or reflex motion. Both objects are known radio emitters with strong evidence for periodic emission on timescales of about 2 and 3 hours, respectively. Using the inner seven VLBA antennas, we detect unresolved emission from TVLM 513–46546 on a scale of 2.5 mas (∼ 50 stellar radii), leading to a direct limit on the radio emission brightness temperature of TB & 4 × 105 K. However, with the higher spatial resolution afforded by the full VLBA we find that the source appears to be marginally and asymmetrically resolved at a low S/N ratio, possibly indicating that TVLM 513–46546 is a binary with a projected separation of ∼ 1 mas (∼ 20 stellar radii). Using the 7-hr baseline of our observation we find no astrometric shift in the position of TVLM 513–46546, with a 3σ limit of about 0.6 mas. This is about 3 times larger than expected for an equal mass companion with a few-hour orbital period. Future monitoring of its position on a range of timescales will provide the required astrometric sensitivity to detect a planetary companion with a mass of ∼ 10 MJ in a & 15 d (& 0.06 AU) orbit, or with a mass of ∼ 2 MJ in an orbit of & 0.5 yr (& 0.3 AU).