scholarly journals Improved Neutron-Capture Element Abundances in Planetary Nebulae

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. C. Sterling ◽  
H. L. Dinerstein ◽  
S. Hwang ◽  
S. Redfield ◽  
A. Aguilar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Rate Coefficients ◽  
Atomic Data ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Iron Species ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
Ionization Balance ◽  
Initial Results

AbstractSpectroscopy of planetary nebulae (PNe) provides the means to investigate s-process enrichments of neutron(n)-capture elements that cannot be detected in Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars. However, accurate abundance determinations of these elements present a challenge. Corrections for unobserved ions can be large and uncertain, since in many PNe only one ion of a given n-capture element has been detected. Furthermore, the atomic data governing the ionization balance of these species are not well-determined, inhibiting the derivation of accurate ionization corrections. We present initial results of a program that addresses these challenges. Deep high-resolution optical spectroscopy of ∼20 PNe has been performed to detect emission lines from trans-iron species including Se, Br, Kr, Rb and Xe. The optical spectral region provides access to multiple ions of these elements, which reduces the magnitude and importance of uncertainties in the ionization corrections. In addition, experimental and theoretical efforts are providing determinations of the photoionization cross sections and recombination rate coefficients of Se, Kr and Xe ions. These new atomic data will make it possible to derive robust ionization corrections for these elements. Together, our observational and atomic data results will enable n-capture element abundances to be determined with unprecedented accuracy in ionized nebulae.

scholarly journals Atomic Data and Neutron-Capture Element Abundances in Planetary Nebulae

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (S323) ◽  
pp. 74-81
Author(s):  
N. C. Sterling
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Capture ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Atomic Data ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Intermediate Mass ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
Nearby Galaxies

AbstractNeutron(n)-capture elements are produced by s-process nucleosynthesis in low- and intermediate-mass AGB stars, and therefore can be enriched in planetary nebulae (PNe). In the last ten years, n-capture elements have been detected in more than 100 PNe in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. In some objects, several different n-capture elements have been detected, providing valuable constraints to models of AGB nucleosynthesis and evolution. These detections have motivated theoretical and experimental investigations of the atomic data needed to derive accurate n-capture element abundances. In this review, I discuss the methods and results of these atomic data studies, and their application to abundance determinations in PNe.

scholarly journals New IR-Observations of Post AGB Stars and Proto-Planetary Nebulae

1989 ◽  
Vol 131 ◽  
pp. 445-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.E. van der Veen ◽  
H. J. Habing ◽  
T. R. Geballe
Keyword(s):  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Be Stars ◽  
Ir Sources ◽  
Visual Magnitude ◽  
Small Band

A sample was selected from the IRAS Point Source Catalogue based on the following selection criteria: very red (“cold”) IRAS-colours: roughly F25/F12 > 2.5 and F60/F25 < 1.2; and low IR-variability: VAR < 30. These non-variable IR-sources may be stars that have evolved beyond the AGB (Asymptotic Giant Branch); a large fraction (40%) is associated with known planetary nebulae (Van der Veen and Habing, 1987, Astron. Astrophys., in press). To determine the nature of the other 60% additional observations were made mainly in the infrared: 1–13 μm, during 4 observing runs: ESO (La Silla, Chile) in July 1986 and June 1987; UKIRT (Hawaii) in August 1986 and June 1987. A total number of 58 sources was observed. A summary of the observations: -IR broad band photometry at 1.2, 1.6, 2.2, 3.8 and 4,6 μm for all 58 sources. -IR broad band photometry at 8.4, 9.7 and 12.8 μm for 19 sources. -IR small band photometry for 4 sources in the ranges 2–2.5 μm and 3–3.5 μm. -IR spectroscopy for 10 sources in the ranges 2–2.5 μm and 3–3.5 μm, -V, R, I observations (0.55, 0.7 and 0.9 μm) for 5 sources associated with a star of visual magnitude 8–9. These observations were carried out by D. de Winter (Amsterdam) with the 0.5-m ESO telescope at La Silla (Chile). -Walraven photometry (0.32, 0.36, 0.38, 0.43 and 0.54 μm) for 21 stars brighter than V = 15 and within 10“ from the IRAS position. These observations were carried out by M. van Haarlem (Leiden) with the 0.9-m Dutch telescope at La Silla (Chile).

scholarly journals Heavy elements in planetary nebulae: A theorist's gold mine

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S283) ◽  
pp. 127-130
Author(s):  
Amanda I. Karakas ◽  
Maria Lugaro
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Capture ◽  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Heavy Elements ◽  
Gold Mine ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Capture Process ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Model Predictions

AbstractObservations of planetary nebulae have revealed a wealth of information about the composition of heavy elements synthesized by the slow neutron capture process (the s process). In some of these nebulae the abundances of neutron-capture elements are enriched by factors of 10 to 30 times the solar value, indicating that these elements were produced in the progenitor star while it was on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). In this proceedings we summarize results of our recent full s-process network predictions covering a wide range of progenitor masses and metallicities. We compare our model predictions to observations and show how this can provide important insights into nucleosynthesis processes occurring deep within AGB stars.

scholarly journals New models for the evolution of central stars of planetary nebulae: Faster and Brighter

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (S323) ◽  
pp. 179-183
Author(s):  
Marcelo M. Miller Bertolami
Keyword(s):  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Intermediate Mass ◽  
Short Article ◽  
Intermediate Mass Stars ◽  
New Models ◽  
Central Stars

AbstractThe post-asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase is arguably one of the least understood phases of the evolution of low- and intermediate- mass stars. The recent post-AGB evolutionary sequences computed by Miller Bertolami (2016) are at least three to ten times faster than those previously published by Vassiliadis & Wood (1994) and Blöcker (1995) which have been used in a large number of studies. This is true for the whole mass and metallicity range. The new models are also ~0.1–0.3 dex brighter than the previous models with similar remnant masses. In this short article we comment on the main reasons behind these differences, and discuss possible implications for other studies of post-AGB stars or planetary nebulae.

scholarly journals Silicon Carbide as the Carrier of the 21μm Feature

2003 ◽  
Vol 209 ◽  
pp. 315-315
Author(s):  
A. K. Speck ◽  
A. M. Hofmeister
Keyword(s):  
Silicon Carbide ◽  
Solid State ◽  
Ir Spectra ◽  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Transient Species ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Central Stars

Some proto-planetary nebulae (PPNe) exhibit an enigmatic feature in their infrared (IR) spectra at ~21 μm. PPNe which display this feature are all C-rich and all show evidence for s-process enhancements in their photospheres, indicative of efficient dredge-up during the ascent of the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). Furthermore, this 21 μm feature is not seen in the spectra of either the precursors to PPNe, the AGB stars, or the successors of PPNe, planetary nebulae (PNe). However the 21 μm feature has been seen in the spectra of PNe with Wolf-Rayet central stars. Therefore the carrier of this feature is unlikely to be a transient species that only exists in the PPNe phase. It is more likely that the physical conditions in the AGB stars and PNe conspire against the observation of an IR feature at 21 μm. This feature has been attributed to various molecular and solid state species, none of which satisfy all constraints, although TiC and PAHs have seemed the most viable.

scholarly journals On the Origin of the 21 Micron Feature in Post-AGB Stars

1999 ◽  
Vol 191 ◽  
pp. 297-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Kwok ◽  
Kevin Volk ◽  
Bruce J. Hrivnak
Keyword(s):  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Emission Feature ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Agb Stars

The unidentified emission feature at 21 μm is now observed in 12 sources, all being objects in transition between the asymptotic giant branch and planetary nebulae phases. The relations between the 21 μm and other emission features, such as the PAH features and the broad 30 μm feature, and the possible origins of the 21 μm feature are discussed.

scholarly journals Characterizing the companion AGBs using surface chemical composition of barium stars

2019 ◽  
Vol 492 (3) ◽  
pp. 3708-3727 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Shejeelammal ◽  
Aruna Goswami ◽  
Partha Pratim Goswami ◽  
Rajeev Singh Rathour ◽  
Thomas Masseron
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Capture ◽  
Detailed Comparison ◽  
Slow Neutron ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Capture Process ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Low Mass

ABSTRACT Barium stars are one of the important probes to understand the origin and evolution of slow neutron-capture process elements in the Galaxy. These are extrinsic stars, where the observed s-process element abundances are believed to have an origin in the now invisible companions that produced these elements at their asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase of evolution. We have attempted to understand the s-process nucleosynthesis, as well as the physical properties of the companion stars through a detailed comparison of observed elemental abundances of 10 barium stars with the predictions from AGB nucleosynthesis models, FRUITY. For these stars, we have presented estimates of abundances of several elements, C, N, O, Na, Al, α-elements, Fe-peak elements, and neutron-capture elements Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu. The abundance estimates are based on high resolution spectral analysis. Observations of Rb in four of these stars have allowed us to put a limit to the mass of the companion AGB stars. Our analysis clearly shows that the former companions responsible for the surface abundance peculiarities of these stars are low-mass AGB stars. Kinematic analysis has shown the stars to be members of Galactic disc population.

scholarly journals Molecular Evolution from AGB Stars to Planetary Nebulae

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S280) ◽  
pp. 203-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Kwok
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Synthesis ◽  
Stellar Evolution ◽  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Molecular Ions ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Late Stages

AbstractThe late stages of stellar evolution from the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) to planetary nebulae represent the most active phase of molecular synthesis in a star's life. Over 60 molecular species, including inorganics, organics, radicals, chains, rings, and molecular ions have been detected in the circumstellar envelopes of evolved stars. Most interestingly, complex organic compounds of aromatic and aliphatic structures are synthesized over very short time intervals after the end of the AGB. Also appeared during the post-AGB evolution are the unidentified 21 and 30 μm emission features, which are believed to originate from carbonaceous compounds.The circumstellar environment is an ideal laboratory for the testing of theories of chemical synthesis. The distinct spectral behavior among AGB stars, proto-planetary nebulae (PPN), and planetary nebulae (PN) and the short evolutionary time scales that separate these stages pose severe constraints on models. In this paper, we will present an observational summary of the chemical synthesis in the late stages of stellar evolution, discuss chemical and physical processes at work, and speculate on the possible effects these chemical products have on the Galaxy and the Solar System.

scholarly journals Database NORAD-Atomic-Data for Atomic Processes in Plasma

Atoms ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Sultana Nahar
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Ground State ◽  
Recombination Rate ◽  
Bound States ◽  
Transition Probabilities ◽  
Rate Coefficients ◽  
Atomic Data ◽  
Atomic Processes ◽  
Ion Recombination ◽  
Atomic Species

The online atomic database of NORAD-Atomic-Data, where NORAD stands for Nahar OSU Radiative, is part of the data sources of the two international collaborations of the Opacity Project (OP) and the Iron Project (IP). It contains large sets of parameters for the dominant atomic processes in astrophysical plasmas, such as, (i) photo-excitation, (ii) photoionization, (iii) electron–ion recombination, (iv) electron–impact excitations. The atomic parameters correspond to tables of energy levels, level-specific total photoionization cross-sections, partial photoionization cross-sections of all bound states for leaving the residual ion in the ground state, partial cross-sections of the ground state for leaving the ion in various excited states, total level-specific electron–ion recombination rate coefficients that include both the radiative and dielectronic recombination, total recombination rate coefficients summed from contributions of an infinite number of recombined states, total photo-recombination cross-sections and rates with respect to photoelectron energy, transition probabilities, lifetimes, collision strengths. The database was created after the first two atomic databases, TOPbase under the OP and TIPbase under the IP. Hence the contents of NORAD-Atomic-Data are either new or from repeated calculations using a much larger wave function expansion making the data more complete. The results have been obtained from the R-matrix method using the close-coupling approximation developed under the OP and IP, and from atomic structure calculations using the program SUPERSTRUCTURE. They have been compared with available published results which have been obtained theoretically and experimentally, and are expected to be of high accuracy in general. All computations were carried out using the computational facilities at the Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) starting in 1990. At present it contains atomic data for 154 atomic species, 98 of which are lighter atomic species with nuclear charge Z ≤ 28 and 56 are heavier ones with Z > 28. New data are added with publications.

scholarly journals Advances in atomic data for neutron-capture elements

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S283) ◽  
pp. 504-505
Author(s):  
Nicholas C. Sterling ◽  
Michael C. Witthoeft ◽  
David A. Esteves ◽  
Phillip C. Stancil ◽  
A. L. David Kilcoyne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Photoionization Cross Section ◽  
Dielectronic Recombination ◽  
Rate Coefficients ◽  
Atomic Data ◽  
Ionization Equilibrium ◽  
Elemental Abundances ◽  
Progenitor Stars

AbstractNeutron(n)-capture elements (atomic number Z > 30), which can be produced in planetary nebula (PN) progenitor stars via s-process nucleosynthesis, have been detected in nearly 100 PNe. This demonstrates that nebular spectroscopy is a potentially powerful tool for studying the production and chemical evolution of trans-iron elements. However, significant challenges must be addressed before this goal can be achieved. One of the most substantial hurdles is the lack of atomic data for n-capture elements, particularly that needed to solve for their ionization equilibrium (and hence to convert ionic abundances to elemental abundances). To address this need, we have computed photoionization cross sections and radiative and dielectronic recombination rate coefficients for the first six ions of Se and Kr. The calculations were benchmarked against experimental photoionization cross section measurements. In addition, we computed charge transfer (CT) rate coefficients for ions of six n-capture elements. These efforts will enable the accurate determination of nebular Se and Kr abundances, allowing robust investigations of s-process enrichments in PNe.

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