2006AJ....131.1797C

We present a moderate-resolution (R≡λ/Δλ~2000), 0.8-4.1 µm spectrum of LSR 1610-0040, a high proper motion star classified as an early-type L subdwarf by Lépine and collaborators based on its red-optical spectrum. The near-infrared spectrum of LSR 1610-0040 does not fit into the (tentative) M/L subdwarf sequence but rather exhibits a mix of characteristics found in the spectra of both M dwarfs and M subdwarfs. In particular, the near-infrared spectrum exhibits an Na I doublet and CO overtone band heads in the K band and Al I and K I lines and an FeH band head in the H band, all of which have strengths more typical of field M dwarfs. Furthermore, the spectrum of Gl 406 (M6 V) provides a reasonably good match to the 0.6-4.1 µm spectral energy distribution of LSR 1610-0040. Nevertheless, the near-infrared spectrum of LSR 1610-0040 also exhibits features common to the spectra of M subdwarfs, including a strong Ti I multiplet centered at ∼0.97 µm, a weak VO band at ∼1.06 µm, and possible collision-induced H₂ absorption in the H and K bands. We discuss a number of possible explanations for the appearance of the red-optical and near-infrared spectra of LSR 1610-0040. Although we are unable to definitively classify LSR 1610-0040, the preponderance of evidence suggests that it is a mildly metal-poor M dwarf. Finally, we tentatively identify a new band of TiO at ∼0.93 µm in the spectra of M dwarfs.