ALMA and CARMA observations of Brown Dwarfs disks: testing the models of
  dust evolution
  The first steps toward planet formation involve the coagulation of small
microscopic grains into larger and larger pebbles and rocks in gas-rich disks
around young stars and brown dwarfs. Observations in the sub-millimeter can
trace mm/cm-sized pebbles in the outer disks, and investigate the mechanisms of
coagulation/fragmentation and radial migration of these solids. These represent
key, yet not fully understood ingredients for our understanding of the
formation of planetesimals, the building blocks of planets. Here we present the
first results from an observational program using the ALMA and CARMA sub-mm/mm
interferometers aimed at characterizing the dust properties and disk structure
of young disks around brown dwarfs and very low mass stars. Given the physical
conditions expected for these disks, they represent critical test beds for the
models of the early stages of planet formation in proto-planetary disks.
