Characterizing the Heavy Elements in Globular Cluster M22 and an Empirical s-process Abundance Distribution Derived from the Two Stellar Groups

TL;DR

This study derives an empirical s-process abundance distribution in globular cluster M22, revealing insights into neutron-capture element origins and the contributions of different stellar processes in a low-metallicity environment.

Contribution

It provides a novel empirical s-process distribution in M22, separating r- and s-process contributions without relying on solar system assumptions.

Findings

r+s stars are moderately enriched in Pb compared to r-only stars

s-process material likely originated from more massive AGB stars

The residual s-process pattern offers unique insights into low-metallicity nucleosynthesis

Abstract

We present an empirical s-process abundance distribution derived with explicit knowledge of the r-process component in the low-metallicity globular cluster M22. We have obtained high-resolution, high signal-to-noise spectra for 6 red giants in M22 using the MIKE spectrograph on the Magellan-Clay Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory. In each star we derive abundances for 44 species of 40 elements, including 24 elements heavier than zinc (Z=30) produced by neutron-capture reactions. Previous studies determined that 3 of these stars (the "r+s group") have an enhancement of s-process material relative to the other 3 stars (the "r-only group"). We confirm that the r+s group is moderately enriched in Pb relative to the r-only group. Both groups of stars were born with the same amount of r-process material, but s-process material was also present in the gas from which the r+s group formed. The s-process abundances are inconsistent with predictions for AGB stars with M =< 3 Msun and suggest an origin in more massive AGB stars capable of activating the Ne-22(alpha,n)Mg-25 reaction. We calculate the s-process "residual" by subtracting the r-process pattern in the r-only group from the abundances in the r+s group. In contrast to previous r- and s-process decompositions, this approach makes no assumptions about the r- and s-process distributions in the solar system and provides a unique opportunity to explore s-process yields in a metal-poor environment.