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F. Bélanger

Publications and source records attributed to F. Bélanger.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

A temperate sub-Neptune transiting the M4 Dwarf TOI-210 identified by NIRPS and TESS -- Uncovering hidden M-dwarf planetary systems in the near-infrared

Super-Earths and sub-Neptunes dominate the exoplanet population, yet their compositions, formation mechanisms, and capability of retaining atmospheres remain poorly understood. M-type stars offer a unique opportunity to investigate these questions, thanks to their favorable planet-to-star radius and mass ratios and the diversity of planetary systems they host. We aim to characterise the planetary system of the M4 dwarf TOI-210, in which TESS during its primary mission identified one transiting exoplanet candidate at $P= 9.01$ days. We combine multi-technique observations, including transits from 40 sectors of TESS and ground-based follow-up with LCOGT and ExTrA, and radial velocities (RV) from NIRPS obtained as part of its Guaranteed Time Observations program. These data were analysed using a Bayesian framework to constrain stellar, planetary, and orbital parameters. We confirm TOI-210 b, a temperate sub-Neptune ($T_{\rm eq} = 368 \pm 9$ K) with a mass of 6.75 $\pm$ 1.25 M$_{\oplus}$ and a radius of 2.234 $\pm$ 0.074 R$_{\oplus}$. Its bulk density implies a volatile-rich composition, either as an extended H/He atmosphere with mass fraction of approximately 1% (gas dwarf), a substantial water reservoir comprising at least 29% of the mass (2$σ$ lower limit; water world), or a mixture of both. The NIRPS RVs show moderate evidence ($Δ\ln Z = 5.9$) for at least one non-transiting exoplanet interior to TOI-210 b. In a targeted search, we identify two Keplerian signals at 2.15 and 3.76 days, with minimum masses of 3.2 $\pm$ 0.8 M$_{\oplus}$ and 4.4 $\pm$ 1.0 M$_{\oplus}$, respectively, that provide a plausible explanation for the observed RV variations. If these signals are planets, the absence of transits in the TESS photometry implies mutual inclinations with TOI-210 b above 2.3-3.5$^{\circ}$.

astro-ph.EP↗

Field-angle dependence of sound velocity in the Weyl semimetal TaAs

The elastic modulus $c_{44}$ of a single crystal of the Weyl semimetal TaAs was investigated by measuring relative changes in the sound velocity under application of a magnetic field up to 10 T. Using an ultrasonic pulsed-echo technique, we studied the shear response of the crystal when the angle between the sound wave propagation and the magnetic field is changed. We observe a broken tetragonal symmetry at fields above 6 T, an anisotropy that is likely related to a longitudinal negative magnetoresistance and therefore might provide evidence of the chiral anomaly, one of the main topological signatures of this class of materials. We also observe quantum oscillations in the sound velocity whose frequencies vary with magnetic field orientation. A fan diagram of Landau level indices reveals topological and trivial Berry phases, depending on the field orientation, indicating a sensitivity to different Fermi surface pockets that do or do not enclose Weyl nodes respectively.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗