Introduction. Theoretical Models of Brown Dwarfs --; An Observer's Perspective: Unified Model Photospheres for Ultracool Dwarfs of the Types L and T. Alkali Metals and the Colour of Brown Dwarfs. Formation of the Optical Spectra of L-Dwarfs --; Introduction. The Coolest Dwarfs --; A Brief History: Imaging and Spectroscopy of Hot (Young) "Ultracool" Companions. Activity and Kinematics of M and L Dwarfs. Infrared Spectroscopy of Brown Dwarfs: The Onset of CH4 Absorption in L Dwarfs and the L/T Transition. Surface Features, Rotation and Atmospheric Variability of Ultra Cool Dwarfs. Low-mass Stellar and Brown Dwarf Binary Systems. The Second Guide Star Catalogue and Cool Stars. Low-Luminosity Companions to Nearby Stars: Status of the 2MASS Data Search --; Introduction. The Spectral Types of the Ultracool Dwarfs: The Classification of L Dwarfs. Spectroscopy of Young Brown Dwarfs and Isolated Planetary Mass Objects. The Classification of T Dwarfs.
This book records our current understanding of the observational and theoretical properties of objects known as ultracool dwarfs. It covers the state of the art in this new field. It is split into theoretical, observational and spectral classification sections. Each subject area begins with an introduction by an eminent scientist. It covers a wide range of issues, such as the transition from L to T dwarfs, dust and alkali metal modelling, companions, activity, the deuterium test, and brown dwarf variability, and contains considerable discussion about spectral classification schemes. The articles arose from an IAU meeting and they address researchers as well as graduate students.