Abundance Patterns in S-type AGB stars : Setting Constraints on Nucleosynthesis and Stellar Evolution Models

TL;DR

This study uses detailed atmospheric models of S-type AGB stars to measure s-process element abundances, especially technetium, to better constrain models of nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution during the AGB phase.

Contribution

It provides precise abundance measurements of s-process elements in S stars, particularly technetium, and compares these with stellar model predictions to refine understanding of AGB nucleosynthesis.

Findings

Zr/Fe overabundances match model predictions

Tc/Zr ratios are slightly overpredicted by models

Results help refine constraints on AGB nucleosynthesis models

Abstract

During the evolution on the AGB, S-type stars are the first objects to experience s-process nucleosynthesis and third dredge-ups, and therefore to exhibit sprocess signatures in their atmospheres. Their significant mass loss rates (10^-7 to 10^-6 M*/year) make them major contributors to the AGB nucleosynthesis yields at solar metallicity. Precise abundance determinations in S stars are of the utmost importance for constraining e.g. the third dredge-up luminosity and efficiency (which has been only crudely parameterized in all current nucleosynthetic models so far). Here, dedicated S-star model atmospheres are used to determine precise abundances of key s-process elements, and to set constraints on nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution models. A special interest is paid to technetium, an element with no stable isotopes (99Tc, the only isotope produced by the s-process in AGB stars, has a half-life of 2.1 x 10^5 years). Its detection is considered as the best signature that the star effectively populates the thermally-pulsing AGB phase of evolution. The derived Tc/Zr abundances are compared, as a function of the derived [Zr/Fe] overabundances, with AGB stellar model predictions. The [Zr/Fe] overabundances are in good agreement with the model predictions, while the Tc/Zr abundances are slightly overpredicted. This discrepancy can help to set better constraints on nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution models of AGB stars.