Description
We present near-infrared spectra for a sample of T dwarfs, including 11 new discoveries made using the 2 Micron All Sky Survey. These objects are distinguished from warmer (L-type) brown dwarfs by the presence of methane absorption bands in the 1-2.5{mu}m spectral region. A first attempt at a near-infrared classification scheme for T dwarfs is made, based on the strengths of CH_4_ and H_2_O bands and the shapes of the 1.25, 1.6, and 2.1{mu}m flux peaks. Subtypes T1 VT8 V are defined, and spectral indices useful for classification are presented.
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