Cette thèse contribue au développement de diverses méthodes permettant la détermination des paramètres stellaires fondamentaux (température effective, gravité de surface et "métallicité" i.e., la composition chimique globale), ainsi que de la vitesse de rotation projetée (vsini), à partir de l'analyse de spectres à haute résolution. Plusieurs méthodes seront présentées, et leurs performances respectives en terme d'extraction des paramètres fondamentaux seront discutées. Nous mettrons en particulier l'accent sur une mise en œuvre originale de la méthode dite Sliced Inverse Regression (SIR, Watson et al. 2017). / This thesis contributes to the development of various methods for the determination of the stellar fundamental parameters (effective temperature, surface gravity and "metallicity" ie, the overall chemical composition), as well as the projected rotation speed (vsini), from the analysis of high resolution spectra. Several methods will be presented, and their respective performances in terms of extraction of the fundamental parameters will be discussed. In particular, we will focus on an original implementation of the Sliced Inverse Regression method (SIR, Watson et al., 2017).

Using high resolution optical spectra from Mount John University Observatory, Mount Stromlo Observatory and the Anglo-Australian Observatory, new, high accuracy radial velocity curves have been obtained for the two bright southern Cepheids l carinae (HR 3884) and beta doradus (HR 1922). An indepth investigation into period variations, cycle-to-cycle and long-term variations in the velocity curves and the reliability of the combination of velocity data from different observatories is carried out. Evidence for shock waves in the atmosphere of l car and resonance in beta dor is discussed. A grid of static model atmospheres incorporating plane-parallel geometry is compared with the observational spectra of both Cepheids, using line depth ratios, to determine the variation in effective temperature, surface gravity and microturbulence with phase. This information is used to determine the phase dependence of the surface-brightness for both Cepheids. The surface brightness variation with phase was found to follow an almost linear relationship. The distance to and radius of the Cepheids are determined using both a near-infrared version of the Barnes-Evans method and the Fourier Baade-Wesselink (BW) method. The derived radii and distances agree within the limits of the errors for both methods. The Fourier BW method was found to be very sensitive to phase shifts between the photometric and spectroscopic data and the derived distance highly dependent on the assumed reddening. An investigation into line profile variations in l car and beta dor has revealed the magnitude of these phenomena increase as the pulsational period of the Cepheid increases. It is estimated that line level variations introduce an additional uncertainty into derived radii of approximately 4 per cent for beta dor and 10 per cent in lcar. The uncertainty introduced into derived distances and radii by line profile asymmetries was estimated to be of the order of 6 per cent in beta dor and 10 per cent in l car. A comparative analysis is made of the hydrogen line radial velocity curves of l car and beta dor. A trend in the properties of these radial velocity curves with period has been revealed. In longer period Cepheids, the Halpha line seems to be forming in a region that does not partake in the pulsation as a whole, probably in a chromospheric shell. A quantitative analysis of the asymmetries in these lines reveal large redward asymmetries near maximum infall velocity. The magnitude of these asymmetries and the period for which they are present are larger in l Car than in beta dor. The blueward asymmetries in the Halpha line in l Car are comparable in magnitude to the redward asymmetries while the other lines exhibit only small blueward asymmetries. A qualitative analysis of these line profiles with phase reveal no conclusive evidence for line doubling in these Cepheids. Evidence of emission is found in the Halpha and H Beta lines of beta dor and l car. The strength and duration of the emission is found to be greater in the longer period Cepheid. Although it is likely that this emission is shock-related, theoretical work is needed to determine the exact origin of the emission. A non-LTE radiative hydrodynamic model for l Car has been created. This atmosphere will be used in further work to calculate synthetic spectral line profiles which will aid the interpretation of our observational results.

The main focus of this thesis is the investigation of an interesting new population of massive passively evolving galaxies found at high redshifts. We use a sample of these galaxies at redshifts 1<z<2 drawn from the Gemini Deep Deep Survey sample and measure their structural parameters based on the Hubble Space Telescope imaging in the rest frame visible and ultraviolet wavelength range. Our analysis shows that a fraction of these systems are very compact, with effective radii of R_e<1 kpc, even when observed in rest frame visible light. The average size of these objects is 2-5 times smaller than the typical size of an early-type galaxy of similar mass found locally. We combine the results from our morphological analysis with data from published spectroscopic samples of quiescent systems with known structural parameters. Analysis of these data for galaxies over the redshift range 0<z<2.5 shows that passively evolving galaxies are continuously and gradually growing in size. We also find smooth evolution of the stellar mass density within the central kiloparsec of these systems. The stellar mass density grows by a factor of 3 from z=0 to z~2.5. None of the models proposed to drive the structural evolution of early-type objects can explain all the observed aspects of this process. Because these massive compact galaxies have such small angular sizes, future studies of these systems will benefit from adaptive optics. In order to compile a large statistical sample of these objects suitable for adaptive optics follow-up, we first need to find a large number of targets with nearby bright natural guide stars. As a first step in this process, we describe the properties of a set of one square degree regions of the sky we have located that have a rare combination of high stellar surface density and low levels of extinction. We demonstrate that the adaptive optics-related properties of these fields are in some cases orders of magnitude better than those of existing deep fields.

The main focus of this thesis is the investigation of an interesting new population of massive passively evolving galaxies found at high redshifts. We use a sample of these galaxies at redshifts 1<z<2 drawn from the Gemini Deep Deep Survey sample and measure their structural parameters based on the Hubble Space Telescope imaging in the rest frame visible and ultraviolet wavelength range. Our analysis shows that a fraction of these systems are very compact, with effective radii of R_e<1 kpc, even when observed in rest frame visible light. The average size of these objects is 2-5 times smaller than the typical size of an early-type galaxy of similar mass found locally. We combine the results from our morphological analysis with data from published spectroscopic samples of quiescent systems with known structural parameters. Analysis of these data for galaxies over the redshift range 0<z<2.5 shows that passively evolving galaxies are continuously and gradually growing in size. We also find smooth evolution of the stellar mass density within the central kiloparsec of these systems. The stellar mass density grows by a factor of 3 from z=0 to z~2.5. None of the models proposed to drive the structural evolution of early-type objects can explain all the observed aspects of this process. Because these massive compact galaxies have such small angular sizes, future studies of these systems will benefit from adaptive optics. In order to compile a large statistical sample of these objects suitable for adaptive optics follow-up, we first need to find a large number of targets with nearby bright natural guide stars. As a first step in this process, we describe the properties of a set of one square degree regions of the sky we have located that have a rare combination of high stellar surface density and low levels of extinction. We demonstrate that the adaptive optics-related properties of these fields are in some cases orders of magnitude better than those of existing deep fields.

This thesis addresses the challenge of understanding the typical star formation histories of red sequence galaxies, using linestrength indices, mass-to-light ratios and redshift evolution as complementary constraints on their stellar age distribution. We first construct simple parametric models of the star formation history that bracket a range of scenarios, and fit these models to the linestrength indices of low-redshift cluster red-sequence galaxies. For giant galaxies, we con firm the downsizing trend, i.e. the stellar populations are younger, on average, for lower σ galaxies. We find, however, that this trend flattens or reverses at σ < 70km/s. We then compare predicted stellar mass-to-light ratios with dynamical mass-to-light ratios derived from the Fundamental Plane, or by the SAURON group. For galaxies with σ ~ 70 km/s, models with a late 'frosting' of young stars and models with exponential star formation histories have stellar mass-to-light ratios that are larger than observed dynamical mass-to-light ratios by factors of 1.7 and 1.4, respectively, and so are rejected. The single stellar population (SSP) model is consistent with the Fundamental Plane, and requires a modest amount of dark matter (between 20% to 30%) to account for the difference between stellar and dynamical mass-to-light ratios. A model in which star formation was 'quenched' at intermediate ages is also consistent with the observations, although in this case less dark matter is required for low mass galaxies. We also find that the contribution of stellar populations to the 'tilt' of the Fundamental Plane is highly dependent on the assumed star-formation history: for the SSP model, the tilt of the FP is driven primarily by stellar-population effects. For a quenched model, two-thirds of the tilt is due to stellar populations and only one third is due to dark matter or non-homology. Comparing to high redshift cluster data, we find again the SSP and quenched models, as well as a model where strangulation begins at intermediate ages after a period of constant star formation, are preferred. They predict the recent faint-end build up of the red sequence, along with observed dwarf-to-giant ratios. Only the SSP model appears to predict the observed M/L evolution, but only if selection effects are carefully modeled.

This thesis addresses the challenge of understanding the typical star formation histories of red sequence galaxies, using linestrength indices, mass-to-light ratios and redshift evolution as complementary constraints on their stellar age distribution. We first construct simple parametric models of the star formation history that bracket a range of scenarios, and fit these models to the linestrength indices of low-redshift cluster red-sequence galaxies. For giant galaxies, we con firm the downsizing trend, i.e. the stellar populations are younger, on average, for lower σ galaxies. We find, however, that this trend flattens or reverses at σ < 70km/s. We then compare predicted stellar mass-to-light ratios with dynamical mass-to-light ratios derived from the Fundamental Plane, or by the SAURON group. For galaxies with σ ~ 70 km/s, models with a late 'frosting' of young stars and models with exponential star formation histories have stellar mass-to-light ratios that are larger than observed dynamical mass-to-light ratios by factors of 1.7 and 1.4, respectively, and so are rejected. The single stellar population (SSP) model is consistent with the Fundamental Plane, and requires a modest amount of dark matter (between 20% to 30%) to account for the difference between stellar and dynamical mass-to-light ratios. A model in which star formation was 'quenched' at intermediate ages is also consistent with the observations, although in this case less dark matter is required for low mass galaxies. We also find that the contribution of stellar populations to the 'tilt' of the Fundamental Plane is highly dependent on the assumed star-formation history: for the SSP model, the tilt of the FP is driven primarily by stellar-population effects. For a quenched model, two-thirds of the tilt is due to stellar populations and only one third is due to dark matter or non-homology. Comparing to high redshift cluster data, we find again the SSP and quenched models, as well as a model where strangulation begins at intermediate ages after a period of constant star formation, are preferred. They predict the recent faint-end build up of the red sequence, along with observed dwarf-to-giant ratios. Only the SSP model appears to predict the observed M/L evolution, but only if selection effects are carefully modeled.

The aim of this dissertation is to address the topic of distinguishing very low mass stars from brown dwarfs through observational means. To that end, we seek to better characterize both populations and establish mechanisms that facilitate establishing an individual object's membership in either the very low mass star or the brown dwarf populations. The dissertation is composed of three separate observational studies. In the first study we report on our analysis of HST/NICMOS snapshot high resolution images of 255 stars in 201 systems within ~10 parsecs of the Sun. We establish magnitude and separation limits for which companions can be ruled out for each star in the sample, and then perform a comprehensive sensitivity and completeness analysis for the subsample of 138 M dwarfs in 126 systems. We calculate a multiplicity fraction of $0.0-0.0+3.5% for L companions to M dwarfs in the separation range of 5 to 70 AU, and $2.3-0.7+5.0% for L and T companions to M dwarfs in the separation range of 10 to 70 AU. Considering these results and results from several other studies, we argue that the so-called "brown dwarf desert" extends to binary systems with low mass primaries and is largely independent of primary mass, mass ratio, and separation. In the second study we construct a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for the stellar/substellar boundary based on a sample of 63 objects ranging in spectral type from M6V to L4. We report new VRI photometry for 63 objects and new trigonometric parallaxes for 37 objects. We employ a novel SED fitting algorithm to determine effective temperatures, bolometric luminosities, and radii. We find evidence for the local minimum in the radius-temperature and radius-luminosity trends that may indicate the end of the stellar main sequence and the start of the brown dwarf sequence at $Teff ~2075K, log(L/Lsun) ~ -3.9, and (R/Rsun) ~ 0.086. The third study is a pilot study for future work and part of a long term search for astrometric binaries that have the potential to yield dynamical masses. We report the discovery of five new multiple systems and discuss their potential for determining dynamical masses: LHS 2071AB, GJ 1215 ABC, LTT 7434 AB, LHS 501 AC, and LHS 3738 AB.

Through the cosmic matter cycle, the chemical evolution of the Milky Way is imprinted in the elemental abundance patterns of late-type stars (spectral types F to K). Due to their long lifetimes ( 1 Hubble time), these stars are of particular importance when it comes to studying the build-up of elements during the early times of our Galaxy. The chemical composition of the atmospheric layers of such stars is believed to resemble the gas from which they were formed. However, recent observations in globular clusters seem to contradict this assumption. The observations indicate that processes are at work that alter the surface compositions in these stars. The combined effect of processes responsible for an exchange of material between the stellar interior and atmosphere during the main sequence lifetime of the star, is referred to as atomic diffusion. Yet, the extent to which these processes alter surface abundances is still debated. By comparing abundances in unevolved and evolved stars all drawn from the same stellar population, any surface abundance anomalies can be traced. The anomalies, if found, can be compared to theoretical predictions from stellar structure models including atomic diffusion. Globular clusters provide stellar populations suitable to conduct such a comparison. In this thesis, the results of three independent analyses of two globular clusters, NGC 6752 and M4, at different metallicities are presented. The comparison between observations and models yields constraints on the models and finally a better understanding of the physical processes at work inside stars.

Using high resolution optical spectra from Mount John University Observatory, Mount Stromlo Observatory and the Anglo-Australian Observatory, new, high accuracy radial velocity curves have been obtained for the two bright southern Cepheids l carinae (HR 3884) and beta doradus (HR 1922). An indepth investigation into period variations, cycle-to-cycle and long-term variations in the velocity curves and the reliability of the combination of velocity data from different observatories is carried out. Evidence for shock waves in the atmosphere of l car and resonance in beta dor is discussed. A grid of static model atmospheres incorporating plane-parallel geometry is compared with the observational spectra of both Cepheids, using line depth ratios, to determine the variation in effective temperature, surface gravity and microturbulence with phase. This information is used to determine the phase dependence of the surface-brightness for both Cepheids. The surface brightness variation with phase was found to follow an almost linear relationship. The distance to and radius of the Cepheids are determined using both a near-infrared version of the Barnes-Evans method and the Fourier Baade-Wesselink (BW) method. The derived radii and distances agree within the limits of the errors for both methods. The Fourier BW method was found to be very sensitive to phase shifts between the photometric and spectroscopic data and the derived distance highly dependent on the assumed reddening. An investigation into line profile variations in l car and beta dor has revealed the magnitude of these phenomena increase as the pulsational period of the Cepheid increases. It is estimated that line level variations introduce an additional uncertainty into derived radii of approximately 4 per cent for beta dor and 10 per cent in lcar. The uncertainty introduced into derived distances and radii by line profile asymmetries was estimated to be of the order of 6 per cent in beta dor and 10 per cent in l car. A comparative analysis is made of the hydrogen line radial velocity curves of l car and beta dor. A trend in the properties of these radial velocity curves with period has been revealed. In longer period Cepheids, the Halpha line seems to be forming in a region that does not partake in the pulsation as a whole, probably in a chromospheric shell. A quantitative analysis of the asymmetries in these lines reveal large redward asymmetries near maximum infall velocity. The magnitude of these asymmetries and the period for which they are present are larger in l Car than in beta dor. The blueward asymmetries in the Halpha line in l Car are comparable in magnitude to the redward asymmetries while the other lines exhibit only small blueward asymmetries. A qualitative analysis of these line profiles with phase reveal no conclusive evidence for line doubling in these Cepheids. Evidence of emission is found in the Halpha and H Beta lines of beta dor and l car. The strength and duration of the emission is found to be greater in the longer period Cepheid. Although it is likely that this emission is shock-related, theoretical work is needed to determine the exact origin of the emission. A non-LTE radiative hydrodynamic model for l Car has been created. This atmosphere will be used in further work to calculate synthetic spectral line profiles which will aid the interpretation of our observational results.

abstract: The only elements that were made in significant quantity during the Big Bang were hydrogen and helium, and to a lesser extent lithium. Depending on the initial mass of a star, it may eject some or all of the unique, newly formed elements into the interstellar medium. The enriched gas later collapses into new stars, which are able to form heavier elements due to the presence of the new elements. When we observe the abundances in a stellar regions, we are able to glean the astrophysical phenomena that occurred prior to its formation. I compile spectroscopic abundance data from 49 literature sources for 46 elements across 2836 stars in the solar neighborhood, within 150 pc of the Sun, to produce the Hypatia Catalog. I analyze the variability of the spread in abundance measurements reported for the same star by different surveys, the corresponding stellar atmosphere parameters adopted by various abundance determination methods, and the effect of normalizing all abundances to the same solar scale. The resulting abundance ratios [X/Fe] as a function of [Fe/H] are consistent with stellar nucleosynthetic processes and known Galactic thin-disk trends. I analyze the element abundances for 204 known exoplanet host-stars. In general, I find that exoplanet host-stars are not enriched more than the surrounding population of stars, with the exception of iron. I examine the stellar abundances with respect to both stellar and planetary physical properties, such as orbital period, eccentricity, planetary mass, stellar mass, and stellar color. My data confirms that exoplanet hosts are enriched in [Fe/H] but not in the refractory elements, per the self-enrichment theory for stellar composition. Lastly, I apply the Hypatia Catalog to the Catalog of Potentially Habitable Stellar Systems in order to investigate the abundances in the 1224 overlapping stars. By looking at stars similar to the Sun with respect to six bio-essential elements, I created maps that have located two ``habitability windows'' on the sky: (20.6hr, -4.8deg) and (22.6hr, -48.5deg). These windows may be of use in future targeted or beamed searches. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Astrophysics 2012