Nucleosynthesis In Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars Research Articles

The intermediate neutron capture process

Context. The intermediate neutron capture process (i-process) can develop during proton ingestion events (PIE), potentially during the early stages of low-mass low-metallicity asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Aims. We examine the impact of overshoot mixing on the triggering and development of i-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars of various initial masses and metallicities. Methods. We computed AGB stellar models, with initial masses of 1, 2, 3, and 4 M⊙ and metallicities in the −2.5 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ 0 range, using the stellar evolution code STAREVOL with a network of 1160 nuclei coupled to the transport equations. We considered different overshooting profiles below and above the thermal pulses, and below the convective envelope. Results. The occurrence of PIEs is found to be primarily governed by the amount of overshooting at the top of pulse (ftop) and to increase with rising ftop. For ftop = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.1, we find that 0%, 6%, 24%, and 86% of our 21 AGB models with −2 < [Fe/H] < 0 experience a PIE, respectively. Variations of the overshooting parameters during a PIE leads to a scatter on abundances of 0.5 − 1 dex on elements, with 36 < Z < 56; however, this barely impacts the production of elements with 56 < Z < 80, which therefore appear to be a reliable prediction of our models. Actinides are only produced if the overshooting at the top of pulse is small enough. We also find that PIEs leave a 13C-pocket at the bottom of the pulse that can give rise to an additional radiative s-process nucleosynthesis. In the case of the 2 M⊙ models with [Fe/H] = −1 and −0.5, it produces a noticeable mixed i + s chemical signature at the surface. Finally, the chemical abundance patterns of 22 observed r/s-stars candidates (18 dwarfs or giants and 4 post-AGB) with −2 < [Fe/H] < −1 are found to be in reasonable agreement with our AGB model predictions. The binary status of the dwarfs/giants being unclear, we suggest that these stars have acquired their chemical pattern either from the mass transfer of a now-extinct AGB companion or from an early generation AGB star that polluted the natal cloud. Conclusions. The occurrence of PIEs and the development of i-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars remains sensitive to the overshooting parametrization. A high (yet realistic) ftop value triggers PIEs at (almost) all metallicities. The existence of r/s-stars at [Fe/H] ≃ −1 is in favour of an i-process operating in AGB stars up to this metallicity. Stricter constraints from multi-dimensional hydrodynamical models on overshoot coefficients could deliver new insights into the contribution of AGB stars to heavy elements in the Universe.

Barium stars as tracers of s-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars

Context. Barium (Ba) stars are characterised by an abundance of heavy elements made by the slow neutron capture process (s-process). This peculiar observed signature is due to the mass transfer from a stellar companion, bound in a binary stellar system, to the Ba star observed today. The signature is created when the stellar companion is an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. Aims. We aim to analyse the abundance pattern of 169 Ba stars using machine learning techniques and the AGB final surface abundances predicted by the FRUITY and Monash stellar models. Methods. We developed machine learning algorithms that use the abundance pattern of Ba stars as input to classify the initial mass and metallicity of each Ba star’s companion star using stellar model predictions. We used two algorithms. The first exploits neural networks to recognise patterns, and the second is a nearest-neighbour algorithm that focuses on finding the AGB model that predicts the final surface abundances closest to the observed Ba star values. In the second algorithm, we included the error bars and observational uncertainties in order to find the best-fit model. The classification process was based on the abundances of Fe, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ru, Nd, Ce, Sm, and Eu. We selected these elements by systematically removing s-process elements from our AGB model abundance distributions and identifying the elements whose removal had the biggest positive effect on the classification. We excluded Nb, Y, Mo, and La. Our final classification combined the output of both algorithms to identify an initial mass and metallicity range for each Ba star companion. Results. With our analysis tools, we identified the main properties for 166 of the 169 Ba stars in the stellar sample. The classifications based on both stellar sets of AGB final abundances show similar distributions, with an average initial mass of M = 2.23 M⊙ and 2.34 M⊙ and an average [Fe/H] = −0.21 and −0.11, respectively. We investigated why the removal of Nb, Y, Mo, and La improves our classification and identified 43 stars for which the exclusion had the biggest effect. We found that these stars have statistically significant and different abundances for these elements compared to the other Ba stars in our sample. We discuss the possible reasons for these differences in the abundance patterns.

Synthesis of thorium and uranium in asymptotic giant branch stars

Context. The intermediate neutron capture process (i-process) operates at neutron densities between those of the slow and rapid neutron-capture processes. It is believed to be triggered by the ingestion of protons in a convective helium-burning region. One possible astrophysical site is low-mass low-metallicity asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Aims. Although it has been widely believed that actinides, and most particularly Th and U, are exclusively produced by explosive r-process nucleosynthesis, we study here the possibility that actinides may also be significantly synthesized through i-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars. Methods. We computed a 1 M⊙ model at [Fe/H] = −2.5 with the stellar evolution code STAREVOL. We used a nuclear network of 1160 species from H to Cf coupled to the transport processes. Models of various resolutions (temporal and spatial) that use different nuclear datasets are also considered for the analysis. Results. During the proton ingestion event, the neutron density in our AGB model goes up to ∼1015 cm−3 and is shown to be high enough to give rise to the production of actinides. While most of the nuclear flow cycles in the neutron-rich Pb–Bi–Po region, a non-negligible fraction leaks towards heavier elements and eventually synthesizes actinides. The surface enrichment in Th and U is subject to nuclear and astrophysical model uncertainties that could be lowered in the future, in particular by a detailed analysis of the nuclear inputs that affect the neutron capture rates of neutron-rich isotopes between Pb and Pa, along the i-process path. One stellar candidate that may confirm the production of actinides by the i-process is the carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) r/s star RAVE J094921.8−161722, which shows Th lines in its spectrum. Its surface abundance is shown to be reasonably well reproduced by our AGB model, though abundances of light N ≃ 50 elements remain underestimated. Combined with cosmochronometry, this finding opens the way to dating the i-process event and thus obtaining a lower limit for the age of CEMP-r/s stars. Such a dating is expected to be accurate only if surface abundances of Th and U can be extracted simultaneously. Conclusions. We show that actinides can be synthesized in low-metallicity low-mass AGB stars through the i-process. This astrophysical site therefore potentially contributes to the Galactic enrichment of Th and U, which demonstrates that the r-process may not be the sole mechanism for the production of U and Th.

Barium stars as tracers of s-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars

Context. Barium (Ba) stars are polluted by material enriched in the slow neutron capture (s-process) elements synthesised in the interior of their former asymptotic giant branch (AGB) companion star, which is now a white dwarf. Aims. We aim to compare individual Ba star abundance patterns to AGB nucleosynthesis model predictions to verify if the AGB model mass is compatible with independently derived AGB mass, which was previously estimated using binary parameters and Gaia parallax data. Methods. We selected a sample of 28 Ba stars for which both self-consistent spectroscopic observation and analysis were performed and, additionally, stellar mass determinations, via positioning the star on the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram and comparing with evolutionary tracks are available. For this sample of stars, we considered both previously (Y, Zr, Ce, and Nd) and recently derived (Rb, Sr, Nb, Mo, Ru, La, Sm, and Eu) elemental abundances. Then, we performed a detailed comparison of these s-process elemental abundances to different AGB nucleosynthesis models from the Monash and the FRUITY theoretical data sets. We simplified the binary mass transfer by calculating dilution factors to match the [Ce/Fe] value of each star when using different AGB nucleosynthesis models, and we then compared the diluted model abundances to the complete Ba-star abundance pattern. Results. Our comparison confirms that low-mass (with initial masses roughly in the range 2−3 M⊙), non-rotating AGB stellar models with 13C as the main neutron source are the polluters of the vast majority of the considered Ba stars. Out of the 28 stars, in 21 cases the models are in good agreement with both the determined abundances and the independently derived AGB mass, although in 16 cases higher observed abundances of Nb, Ru, Mo, and/or Nd, Sm than predicted were present. For three stars, we obtain a match to the abundances only by considering models with masses lower than those independently determined. Finally, four stars show much higher first s-process peak abundance values than the model predictions, which may represent the signature of a physical (e.g. mixing) and/or nucleosynthetic process that is not represented in the set of models considered here.

Presolar Grain Isotopic Ratios as Constraints to Nuclear and Stellar Parameters of Asymptotic Giant Branch Star Nucleosynthesis

Abstract Recent models for evolved low-mass stars (with M ≲ 3 M ⊙), undergoing the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase assume that magnetic flux-tube buoyancy drives the formation of 13C reservoirs in He-rich layers. We illustrate their crucial properties, showing how the low abundance of 13C generated below the convective envelope hampers the formation of primary 14N and the ensuing synthesis of intermediate-mass nuclei, like 19F and 22Ne. In the mentioned models, their production is therefore of a purely secondary nature. Shortage of primary 22Ne has also important effects in reducing the neutron density. Another property concerns AGB winds, which are likely to preserve C-rich subcomponents, isolated by magnetic tension, even when the envelope composition is O-rich. Conditions for the formation of C-rich compounds are therefore found in stages earlier than previously envisaged. These issues, together with the uncertainties related to several nuclear physics quantities, are discussed in the light of the isotopic admixtures of s-process elements in presolar SiC grains of stellar origin, which provide important and precise constraints to the otherwise uncertain parameters. By comparing nucleosynthesis results with measured SiC data, it is argued that such a detailed series of constraints indicates the need for new measurements of weak-interaction rates in ionized plasmas, as well as of neutron-capture cross sections, especially near the N = 50 and N = 82 neutron magic numbers. Nonetheless, the peculiarity of our models allows us to achieve fits to the presolar grain data of a quality so far never obtained in previously published attempts.

Physical properties of the fluorine and neutron-capture element-rich PN Jonckheere 900

ABSTRACT We performed detailed spectroscopic analyses of a young C-rich planetary nebula (PN) Jonckheere 900 (J900) in order to characterize the properties of the central star and nebula. Of the derived 17 elemental abundances, we present the first determination of eight elemental abundances. We present the first detection of the [F iv] 4059.9 Å, [F v] 13.4 μm, and [Rb iv] 5759.6 Å lines in J900. J900 exhibits a large enhancement of F and neutron-capture elements Se, Kr, Rb, and Xe. We investigated the physical conditions of the H2 zone using the newly detected mid-IR H2 lines while also using the previously measured near-IR H2 lines, which indicate warm (∼670 K) and hot (∼3200 K) temperature regions. We built the spectral energy distribution (SED) model to be consistent with all the observed quantities. We found that about 67 per cent of all dust and gas components (4.5 × 10−4 M⊙ and 0.83 M⊙, respectively) exists beyond the ionization front, indicating the critical importance of photodissociation regions in understanding stellar mass loss. The best-fitting SED model indicates that the progenitor evolved from an initially ∼2.0 M⊙ star that had been in the course of the He-burning shell phase. Indeed, the derived elemental abundance pattern is consistent with that predicted by an asymptotic giant branch star nucleosynthesis model for a 2.0 M⊙ star with Z = 0.003 and partial mixing zone mass of 6.0 × 10−3 M⊙. Our study demonstrates how accurately determined abundances of C/F/Ne/neutron-capture elements and gas/dust masses help us understand the origin and internal evolution of the PN progenitors.

19F(p, α)16O and 19F(α,p)22Ne Reaction Rate Measured via THM and Fluorine Nucleosynthesis in AGB stars

Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars have been proven to be sites of F production through spectroscopy observations by several authors, but it is not clear whether these stars might account for the total fluorine abundance of the Galaxy. Recently the two main channels for 19F destruction in AGB stars, namely the 19F(α,p)22Ne and 19F(p,α)16O reactions, have been studied via the Trojan Horse Method in the energy range of interest for astrophysics. In both cases experimental results have shown the presence of resonant structures below 500 keV, hinting to an enhancements in efficiency of fluorine destruction by stellar H- and He- burning. In particular the 19F(p, α)16O reaction rate at T9 ≤ 0.2K turns out to be increased up to a factor of 1.7 while the 19F(p, α)16O is enhanced more than a factor of 4 at 0.1 ≤ T9 ≤ 0.25. We present here a re-analysis of the role of AGB stars as fluorine galactic source by comparing stellar observations with predictions of AGB nucleosynthesis (for stellar masses from 1.5 to 5M⊙) computed by employing in state-of-the-art models the THM reaction rates for 19F destruction.

Improved astrophysical rate for the 18O(p,α)15N reaction by underground measurements

The 18O(p,α)15N reaction affects the synthesis of 15N, 18O and 19F isotopes, whose abundances can be used to probe the nucleosynthesis and mixing processes occurring deep inside asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. We performed a low-background direct measurement of the 18O(p,α)15N reaction cross-section at the Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics (LUNA) from center of mass energy Ec.m.=340 keV down to Ec.m.=55 keV, the lowest energy measured to date corresponding to a cross-section of less than 1 picobarn/sr. The strength of a key resonance at center of mass energy Er=90 keV was found to be a factor of 10 higher than previously reported. A multi-channel R-matrix analysis of our and other data available in the literature was performed. Over a wide temperature range, T=0.01–1.00 GK, our new astrophysical rate is both more accurate and precise than recent evaluations. Stronger constraints can now be placed on the physical processes controlling nucleosynthesis in AGB stars with interesting consequences on the abundance of 18O in these stars and in stardust grains, specifically on the production sites of oxygen-rich Group II grains.

Application of the Calculating Formula for the Mean Neutron Exposure in CEPM-s and CEPM-r/s Starstwo

Recent studies have shown that for the current s-process nucleosynthesis models of low-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars with a radiatively burning C13 pocket in the interpulse period, the neutron exposure distribution in the nucleosynthesis region can be regarded as an exponential function, and the relation between the mean neutron exposure τ0 and the model parameters is τ0=−Δτ/ln[q/(1−r+q)], in which Δτ is the exposure value of each neutron irradiation, r is the overlap factor, and q is the mass ratio of the C13 pocket to the He intershell. Using the published data resulted from fitting the observed abundances of neutron-capture elements in 20 CEMP (Carbon-Enhanced Metal-Poor)-s and CEMP-s/r stars with the parameterized s-process nucleosynthesis model of AGB stars, the reliability of the formula for calculating the mean neutron exposure is tested, and further more the application of the formula in the study of heavy-element s-process nucleosynthesis is explored preliminarily. Our results show that under the radiative s-process nucleosynthesis mechanism, the formula is suitable for the CEMP stars experienced multiple successive neutron irradiations. Combined with the parameterized AGB star nucleosynthesis model, the formula could be regarded as an effective tool to select the CEMP stars of single neutron exposure or special type. But considered the uncertainty of the C13 pocket, the role of this formula in understanding the physical conditions necessary for reproducing the observed abundances of neutron-capture elements in CEMP stars needs further studies.

Simultaneous iron and nickel isotopic analyses of presolar silicon carbide grains

Aside from recording stellar nucleosynthesis, a few elements in presolar grains can also provide insights into the galactic chemical evolution (GCE) of nuclides. We have studied the carbon, silicon, iron, and nickel isotopic compositions of presolar silicon carbide (SiC) grains from asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars to better understand GCE. Since only the neutron-rich nuclides in these grains have been heavily influenced by the parent star, the neutron-poor nuclides serve as GCE proxies. Using CHILI, a new resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) instrument, we measured 74 presolar SiC grains for all iron and nickel isotopes. With the CHARISMA instrument, 13 presolar SiC grains were analyzed for iron isotopes. All grains were also measured by NanoSIMS for their carbon and silicon isotopic compositions. A comparison of the measured neutron-rich isotopes with models for AGB star nucleosynthesis shows that our measurements are consistent with AGB star predictions for low-mass stars between half-solar and solar metallicity. Furthermore, our measurements give an indication on the 22Ne(α,n)25Mg reaction rate. In terms of GCE, we find that the GCE-dominated iron and nickel isotope ratios, 54Fe/56Fe and 60Ni/58Ni, correlate with their GCE-dominated counterpart in silicon, 29Si/28Si. The measured GCE trends include the Solar System composition, showing that the Solar System is not a special case. However, as seen in silicon and titanium, many presolar SiC grains are more evolved for iron and nickel than the Solar System. This confirms prior findings and agrees with observations of large stellar samples that a simple age-metallicity relationship for GCE cannot explain the composition of the solar neighborhood.

S-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars with the full spectrum of turbulence scheme for convection.

The chemical evolution of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars models depends greatly on the input physics (e.g. convective model, mass loss recipe). Variations of hot bottom burning (HBB) strength, or third dredge-up (TDU) efficiency are among the main consequences of adopting different input physics in the AGB models. The ATON evolutionary code stands apart from others in that it uses the Full Spectrum of Turbulence convective model. Here we present the first results of a newly developed s-process nucleosynthesis module for ATON AGB models. Our results are compared also with observations and theoretical predictions of present AGB nucleosynthesis models using different input physics.

UPDATED THM ASTROPHYSICAL FACTOR OF THE $^{19}{\rm F}{{(p,\alpha )}^{16}}{\rm O}$ REACTION AND INFLUENCE OF NEW DIRECT DATA AT ASTROPHYSICAL ENERGIES

Fluorine nucleosynthesis represents one of the most intriguing open questions in nuclear astrophysics. It has triggered new measurements which may modify the presently accepted paradigm of fluorine production and establish fluorine as an accurate probe of the inner layers of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Both direct and indirect measurements have attempted to improve the recommended extrapolation to astrophysical energies, showing no resonances. In this work, we will demonstrate that the interplay between direct and indirect techniques represents the most suitable approach to attain the required accuracy for the astrophysical factor at low energies, keV, which is of interest for fluorine nucleosynthesis in AGB stars. We will use the recently measured direct astrophysical factor in the energy interval to renormalize the existing Trojan Horse Method (THM) data spanning the astrophysical energies, accounting for all identified sources of uncertainty. This has a twofold impact on nuclear astrophysics. It shows the robustness of the THM approach even in the case of direct data of questionable quality, as normalization is extended over a broad range, minimizing systematic effects. Moreover, it allows us to obtain more accurate resonance data at astrophysical energies, thanks to the improved direct data. Finally, the present work strongly calls for more accurate direct data at low energies, so that we can obtain a better fitting of the direct reaction mechanism contributing to the astrophysical factor. Indeed, this work points out that the major source of uncertainty affecting the low-energy S(E) factor is the estimate of the non-resonant contribution, as the dominant role of the 113 keV resonance is now well established.

Nucleosynthesis in AGB Stars

I review some of the main nucleosynthesis processes in Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) Stars. These include production of -elements in the He-rich layers above the degenerate C-O core, and modifications in the abundances of intermediate-mass elements up to Mg-Al, due to proton captures above the H-burning shell. Emphasis is put on the uncertainties still affecting the yields (especially mixing processes and mass loss rates) and on the possible role of planetary nebulae as a source of information on the evolution and nucleosynthesis of the AGB progenitors

Sources of Carbon and Heavy‐Element Abundances in Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars and Ba Stars

Abundance trends of CNO elements are crucial to nucleosynthesis of elements and Galactic chemical evolution (GCE) studies. They play important roles in stellar interiors as opacity sources and energy production through the CNO cycle. Thus, they can influence stellar lifetimes, positions in the H-R diagram, and heavy-element yields. In general, oxygen is produced mainly by massive stars through Type II supernova explosions, and nitrogen is produced mainly by intermediate-mass stars. However, the main source of carbon is not clear. Therefore, in this dissertation, we carefully compare and analyze the stellar nucleosynthesis yields of different mass stars (e.g., S. E. Woosley & T. A. Weaver 1995, ApJS, 101, 181; A. Maeder 1992, AA K. Nomoto et al. 1997, Nucl. Phys. A, 616, 79; L. Portinari et al. 1998, AA L. B. van den Hoek & M. A. T. Groenewegen 1997, AA A. Renzini & M. Voli 1981, AA P. Marigo 2001, AA P. Marigo et al. 1996, AA P. Marigo et al. 1996, AA K. Nomoto et al. 1997, Nucl. Phys. A, 621, 467 for Type Ia supernova explosions). Then, according to these different stellar yields, we set up eight GCE models (infall) to explore the sources of carbon. The results show that in the early stages of the Galaxy, massive stars are the main carbon producers and that as the Galaxy evolves to later stages, the longer lived intermediateand low-mass stars play an increasingly important role. At the same time, metal-rich Wolf-Rayet stars eject a significant amount of carbon into the interstellar medium by radiative-driven stellar winds. However, from the published nucleosynthesis yields, we cannot distinguish, for the present Galactic time, whether the main source of carbon is just the massive stars ( ) alone or just the intermediateM 1 8 M, mass stars, low-mass stars, and massive ( ) stars that M ≤ 40 M, do not go through the Wolf-Rayet stage. Simultaneously, our results show that the nitrogen contribution is dominated by intermediateand low-mass stars. A secondary source of massive stars cannot explain the observed [N/Fe] in metal-poor stars. Most of the oxygen is produced by massive stars. Besides producing carbon and nitrogen, low-mass stars are the main nucleosynthesis site of slow neutron capture process (s-process) elements during their asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stage. Thus, adopting a new s-process nucleosynthesis scenario (R. Gallino et al. 1998, ApJ, 497, 388; M. Busso et al. 1999, ARA&A, 37, 239) and branch s-process path, we calculate the heavy-element nucleosynthesis of solar metallicity 3 thermal-pulse AGB stars. The C O reaction is 16 M (a, n) , the major neutron source, released in a radiative condition during the interpulse period. A second small neutron burst from the Ne source marginally operates during convective pulses. The calculated heavy-element abundances and C/O ratio on the surfaces of AGB stars are well fitted by the observations of MS, S, SC, and C (N-type) stars. Thus, the evolutionary sequence from M to S to SC to C stars of AGB stars is explained naturally. Another important point is that AGB stars can cause heavyelement overabundances of Ba stars through binary accretion. Therefore, using our AGB star nucleosynthesis results, combined with our angular momentum conservation model of wind accretion, the heavy-element overabundances of Ba stars are calculated. The results are well matched by the observed orbital periods and heavy-element abundances of 14 barium stars taken from L. Zacs (1994, A&A, 283, 937) and M. Busso et al. (1995, ApJ, 446, 775). These results suggest that the Ba stars with longer orbital periods, days, may form through the P 1 1600 accreting part of the ejecta as a result of stellar winds from the intrinsic AGB stars. Those with shorter orbital periods, days, may be formed through other scenarios such as P ! 600 dynamically stable late-case C mass transfer or common envelope ejection.

Isotopic compositions of different presolar silicon carbide size fractions from the Murchison meteorite

Abstract— We report measurements of isotopic ratios of C, N, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, and Fe in bulk samples (aggregates of many grains) of up to seven different fractions of silicon carbide (SiC), ranging from 0.38 to 3.0μm in diameter, from the Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite. Ratios of 12C/13C range from 37 to 42 and 14N/15N ratios from 370 to 520, within the range of single‐grain measurements on coarser samples and in agreement with an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star origin of most of the grains. Variations among size fractions do not show any simple trend and can be explained by varying contamination with isotopically normal material. Silicon isotopic ratios vary only little and, with one exception, lie to the right of the singlegrain mainstream correlation line. This might indicate a higher percentage of the minor populations Y and Z among finer grain‐size fractions. All bulk samples have large 26Mg excesses attributed to the presence of short‐lived 26Al at the time of grain formation. Inferred 26Al/27Al ratios are much larger than those measured in single larger mainstream grains. This is probably because of the presence of SiC grains of type X; we obtain an estimate of 0.4 for their 26Al/27Al ratio. Our Ca‐isotopic measurements, the first made on presolar SiC grains, show excesses in 42Ca and 43Ca, which is in general agreement with theoretical expectations for AGB stars. Calcium‐44 excesses are much larger than expected and are probably because of X grains, which have high44Ca excesses because of the decay of short‐lived 44Ti produced in supernova explosions. We arrive at an estimate of 0.014 for the initial 44Ti/48Ti ratio of the X grains, within the range obtained from previous single X grain measurements. The Ti‐isotopic ratios of the bulk samples show a V‐shaped pattern with excesses of all isotopes relative to 48Ti. Isotopes 46Ti, 47Ti, and 50Ti show excesses relative to the correlation between Ti and Si ratios for single grains and are in general agreement with theoretical models of s‐process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars. In contrast, 49Ti does not show any excess relative to the singlegrain data; it also fails to agree with theory, which predicts much larger excesses than observed. Measured 53Cr/52Cr and 57Fe/56Fe ratios are normal within errors. The first result is expected even for Cr in AGB star envelopes, but the second result suggests that most of the Fe analyzed originates from contamination. We have found no simple trends in isotopic composition with respect to grain size that can be interpreted in terms of nucleosynthetic origin, unlike the results for Kr, Xe, Ba, and Sr.

Detection of Lead in the Carbon-rich, Very Metal-poor Star LP 625-44: A Strong Constraint on s-Process Nucleosynthesis at Low Metallicity.

We report the detection of the Pb i lambda4057.8 line in the very metal-poor (&sqbl0;Fe&solm0;H&sqbr0;=-2.7), carbon-rich star, LP 625-44. We determine the abundance of Pb (&sqbl0;Pb&solm0;Fe&sqbr0;=2.65) and 15 other neutron-capture elements. The abundance pattern between Ba and Pb agrees well with a scaled solar system s-process component, while the lighter elements (Sr-Zr) are less abundant than Ba. The enhancement of s-process elements is interpreted as a result of mass transfer in a binary system from a previous asymptotic giant branch (AGB) companion, an interpretation strongly supported by radial velocity variations of this system. The detection of Pb makes it possible, for the first time, to compare model predictions of s-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars with observations of elements between Sr and Pb. The Pb abundance is significantly lower than the prediction of recent models (e.g., Gallino et al.), which succeeded in explaining the metallicity dependence of the abundance ratios of light s-elements (Sr-Zr) to heavy ones (Ba-Dy) found in previously observed s-process-enhanced stars. This suggests that one should either (1) reconsider the underlying assumptions concerning the (13)C-rich s-processing site ((13)C pocket) in the present models or (2) investigate alternative sites of s-process nucleosynthesis in very metal-poor AGB stars.