Dust in Protoplanetary Disks

Abstract

We critically examine the best lines of evidence for grain growth in protoplanetary disks, based on modelling of observed spectral energy distributions and images of T Tauri and Herbig Ae stars. The data are consistent with millimeter-sized grains near disk midplanes, and micron-sized grains near disk surfaces. We review three channels by which grains can grow, including direct condensation from the vapor phase, grain-grain collisional sticking, and gravitational instability. The utility of dust in identifying as yet unseen extrasolar planets is highlighted.