Observational constraints on the origin of the elements. X. Combining NLTE and machine learning for chemical diagnostics of 4 million stars in the 4MIDABLE-HR survey

TL;DR

This paper introduces a neural network-based method trained on NLTE spectra to automatically derive stellar parameters and elemental abundances for 4 million stars in the 4MIDABLE-HR survey, enabling detailed Galactic chemical analysis.

Contribution

It presents a novel NLTE-trained neural network and fitting algorithm for automated, self-consistent stellar parameter and abundance determination from high-resolution spectra.

Findings

Successfully recovered 18 elemental abundances with low bias and spread.

Validated the method on observed spectra, matching classical radiative transfer results.

Demonstrated the potential to analyze Galactic formation history through chemical trends.

Abstract

We present the 4MOST-HR resolution Non-Local Thermal Equilibrium (NLTE) Payne artificial neural network (ANN), trained on $404\,793$ new FGK spectra with 16 elements computed in NLTE. This network will be part of the Stellar Abundances and atmospheric Parameters Pipeline (SAPP), which will analyse 4 million stars during the five year long 4MOST consortium 4: 4MOST MIlky way Disc And BuLgE High-Resolution (4MIDABLE-HR) survey. A fitting algorithm using this ANN is also presented that is able to fully-automatically and self-consistently derive both stellar parameters and elemental abundances. The ANN is validated by fitting 121 observed spectra of low-mass FGKM type stars, including main-sequence dwarf, subgiant and giant stars down to [Fe/H] $\approx -3.3$ degraded to 4MOST-HR resolution of $R\approx20\,000$, and comparing the derived abundances with the output of the classical radiative transfer code TSFitPy. We are able to recover all 18 elemental abundances with a bias~$<0.13$ and spread~$<0.16$\,dex, although the typical values are $<0.09$ dex for most elements. These abundances are compared to the OMEGA+ Galactic Chemical Evolution model, showcasing for the first time, the expected performance and results obtained from high-resolution spectra of the quality expected to be obtained with 4MOST. The expected Galactic trends are recovered, and we highlight the potential of using many chemical elements to constrain the formation history of the Galaxy.