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M. Liu (IfA/Hawaii)
We are using the adaptive optics (A0) systems on the Keck and Gemini-North Telescopes to search for very low mass companions to young solar-type stars. As substellar objects are more luminous in their youth, it is possible to directly image young Jovian-mass objects. In order to find them as companions at separations comparable to our solar system, the principal challenges are the high angular resolution and large dynamic range needed to identify them next to bright primary stars. We present preliminary results from our search and discuss methods to confirm candidate planetary-mass companions. We also present a sensitivity comparison of Keck and Gemini AO for finding faint companions at small separations.