Fluorine in extremely hot post-AGB stars: Evidence for nucleosynthesis

Abstract

We have discovered lines of highly ionized fluorine ($\ion{F}{v}$ and $\ion{F}{vi}$) in the far-UV spectra of extremely hot ($T_\mathrm{eff}$ = 85 000–150 000 K) post-AGB stars. Our sample comprises H-rich central stars of planetary nebulae as well as H-deficient PG1159 stars. We performed non-LTE calculations and find strong F overabundances (up to 10 -4 by mass, i.e., 250 times solar) in a number of PG1159 stars, while F is essentially solar in the H-rich stars. Since PG1159 stars are believed to exhibit intershell matter of the preceding AGB phase on their surface, their chemical analyses allow for a direct insight into nucleosynthesis processes during the AGB phase. The high F abundances in PG1159 stars confirm the conclusion from abundance determinations in giants, that F is synthesized in AGB stars and that the F enrichment in the intershell must be very high.