Abstract
We examine the production of radionuclides via the s‐process in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Schematic models of AGB star evolution are combined with four neutron source scenarios to determine radionuclide abundances in the atmospheres and winds of 1–4 M⊙ AGB stars of solar metallicity. We show that the maximum γ‐ray line fluxes from AGB stellar winds in any neutron source scenario are below the current observational sensitivity of the Compton‐GRO satellite. In addition, we calculate the total mass yields of long‐lived radionuclides for use in one‐zone galactic chemical evolution models. Depending on the neutron source scenario, we determine that AGB stars should be considerable sources of 40K and 60Fe in the galaxy, and, in two separate neutron source scenarios, the resulting γ‐ray line fluxes may be visible by COMPTEL.
Published Version
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