Spitzer Observations of V4332 Sagittarii: Detection of Alumina Dust

We present broad-band 24, 70 and 160 μm photometry, 5-35 μm and 55-90 μm spectra of the eruptive variable V4332 Sgr from Spitzer observations. The distinguishing feature of the 5-35 μm spectrum is an unusually broad absorption feature near 10 μm at the position generally associated with silicate-rich dust. Through radiative transfer modeling, we show that this broad feature cannot arise from silicates alone but requires the inclusion of alumina (Al2O3) as a dust condensate. The case for including Al2O3 is strengthened further by the presence of the AlO radical, a potentially important molecule in forming Al2O3. The present detection indicates that porous alumina manifests itself through a broadening of the 9.7 μm silicate feature and additionally displays, on the shoulder of the silicate feature, a component at ∼ 11.5 μm. We discuss how further observations of V4332 Sgr may have the potential of verifying some general predictions of the dust condensation process. Subject headings: infrared: stars-novae, cataclysmic variables stars: individual (V4332 Sagittarii)