Optical Recombination Lines Research Articles

Evidence of interlayer interaction in magnetoluminescence spectra of electron bilayers

Magneto-luminescence studies in electron bilayers reveal the hallmarks of the even-denominator and other quantum Hall states in the intensities and energies of the inter-band optical recombination lines. In the presence of a small tunneling gap between the layers the magneto-optical emission from the lowest anti-symmetric subband, not populated in a single-electron picture, displays maxima at filling factors 1 and 2/3. These findings uncover a loss of pseudospin polarization, where the pseudospin describes the layer index degree of freedom, that is linked to an anomalous population of the anti-symmetric level due to excitonic correlations. The results demonstrate a new realm to probe the impact of inter-layer Coulomb interaction in quantum Hall bilayers.

The detailed nature of active central cluster galaxies

We present detailed integral field unit (IFU) observations of the central few kiloparsecs of the ionised nebulae surrounding four active central cluster galaxies (CCGs) in cooling flow clusters (Abell 0496, 0780, 1644 and 2052). Our sample consists of CCGs with H{\alpha} filaments, and have existing data from the X-ray regime available. Here, we present the detailed optical emission-line (and simultaneous absorption line) data over a broad wavelength range to probe the dominant ionisation processes, excitation sources, morphology and kinematics of the hot gas (as well as the morphology and kinematics of the stars). This, combined with the other multiwavelength data, will form a complete view of the different phases (hot and cold gas and stars) and how they interact in the processes of star formation and feedback detected in central galaxies in cooling flow clusters, as well as the influence of the host cluster. We derive the optical dust extinction maps of the four nebulae. We also derive a range of different kinematic properties, given the small sample size. For Abell 0496 and 0780, we find that the stars and gas are kinematically decoupled, and in the case of Abell 1644 we find that these components are aligned. For Abell 2052, we find that the gaseous components show rotation even though no rotation is apparent in the stellar components. To the degree that our spatial resolution reveals, it appears that all the optical forbidden and hydrogen recombination lines originate in the same gas for all the galaxies. Based on optical diagnostic ratios ([OIII]{\lambda}5007/H{\beta} against [NII]{\lambda}6584/H{\alpha}, [SII]{\lambda}{\lambda}6717,6731/H{\alpha}, and [OI]{\lambda}6300/H{\alpha}), all galaxies show extended LINER emission, but that at least one has significant Seyfert emission areas, and at least one other has significant HII like emission line ratios for many pixels. ABRIDGED.

Very deep spectroscopy of the bright Saturn nebula NGC 7009 – II. Analysis of the rich optical recombination spectrum

[Abridged] We present a critical analysis of the rich optical recombination spectrum of NGC 7009, in the context of the bi-abundance nebular model proposed by Liu et al. (2000). The observed relative intensities are compared with the theoretical predictions based on high quality effective recombination coefficients, now available for the recombination line spectrum of a number of heavy element ions. The possibility of plasma diagnostics using the optical recombination lines (ORLs) of heavy element ions is discussed in detail. Plasma diagnostics based on the N II and O II recombination spectra both yield electron temperatures close to 1000 K, which is lower than those derived from the collisionally excited line (CEL) ratios by nearly one order of magnitude. The very low temperatures yielded by the O II and N II ORLs indicate that they originate from very cold regions. The C^{2+}/H^+, N^{2+}/H^+, O^{2+}/H^+ and Ne^{2+}/H^+ ionic abundance ratios derived from ORLs are consistently higher, by about a factor of 5, than the corresponding values derived from CELs. In calculating the ORL ionic abundance ratios, we have used the newly available high quality effective recombination coefficients, and adopted an electron temperature of 1000 K, as given by the ORL diagnostics and as a consequence presumably representing the physical conditions prevailing in the regions where the heavy element ORLs arise. A comparison of the results of plasma diagnostics and abundance determinations for NGC 7009 points to the existence of "cold", metal-rich (i.e. H-deficient) inclusions embedded in the hot, diffuse ionized gas, first postulated by Liu et al. (2000).

Plasma diagnostics for planetary nebulae and H ii regions using the N ii and O ii optical recombination lines

We carry out plasma diagnostic analyses for 123 planetary nebulae (PNe) and 42 H II regions using the N II and O II optical recombination lines (ORLs). New effective recombination coefficients for the N II and O II optical recombination spectra are used. These data were calculated under the intermediate coupling scheme for a number of electron temperature (Te) and density (Ne) cases. We used a new method to determine the Te and Ne for the nebular sample, combining the ORLs with the most reliable measurements for each ion and the predicted intensities that are based on the new atomic data. Uncertainties of the derived Te and Ne are estimated for each object. The diagnostic results from heavy element ORLs show reasonable agreement with previous calculations in the literature. We compare the electron temperatures derived from the N II and O II ORLs, Te(ORLs), and those from the collisionally excited lines (CELs), Te(CELs), as well as the hydrogen Balmer jump, Te(H I BJ), especially for the PNe with large abundance discrepancies. Temperatures from He I recombination lines, Te(He I), are also used for comparison if available. For all the objects included in our sample, Te(ORLs) are lower than Te(H I BJ), which are in turn systematically lower than Te(CELs). Nebulae with Te(He I) available show the relation Te(ORLs) < Te(He I) < Te(H I BJ) < Te(CELs), which is consistent with predictions from the bi-abundance nebular model postulated by Liu et al. (2000).

The broad emission-line region: the confluence of the outer accretion disc with the inner edge of the dusty torus

(Abridged) We investigate the observational characteristics of BLR geometries in which the BLR clouds bridge the gap, both in distance and scale height, between the outer accretion disc and the hot dust, forming an effective surface of a "bowl". The gas dynamics are dominated by gravity, and we include the effects of transverse Doppler shift, gravitational redshift and scale-height dependent macro-turbulence. Our simple model reproduces many of the phenomena observed in broad emission-line variability studies, including (i) the absence of response in the core of the optical recombination lines on short timescales, (ii) the enhanced red-wing response on short timescales, (iii) differences between the measured delays for the HILs and LILs, and (iv) identifies turbulence as a means of producing Lorentzian profiles (esp. for LILs) in low inclination systems, and for suppressing significant continuum--emission-line delays between the line wings and line core (esp. in LILs). A key motivation of this work was to reveal the physical underpinnings of the reported measurements of SMBH masses and their uncertainties. We find that SMBH masses derived from measurements of the fwhm of the mean and rms profiles show the closest correspondence between the emission lines in a single object, even though the emission line fwhm is a more biased mass indicator with respect to inclination. The predicted large discrepancies in the SMBH mass estimates between emission lines at low inclination, as derived using the line dispersion, we suggest may be used as a means of identifying near face-on systems. Our general results do not depend on specific choices in the simplifying assumptions, but are in fact generic properties of BLR geometries with axial symmetry that span a substantial range in radially-increasing scale height supported by turbulence, which then merge into the inner dusty TOR.

The detailed nature of active central cluster galaxies

AbstractWe present detailed integral field unit observations of the central few kiloparsecs of the ionized nebulae surrounding four active central cluster galaxies (CCGs) in cooling flow clusters (Abell 0496, 0780, 1644 and 2052). Our sample consists of CCGs with Hα filaments, and have existing data from the X-ray to radio wavelength regimes available, but lacked the detailed optical emission-line (and simultaneous absorption line) data over a broad wavelength range to probe the dominant ionisation processes, excitation sources, morphology and kinematics of the hot gas (as well as the morphology and kinematics of the stars). This, combined with the other multiwavelength data, will form a complete view of the different phases (hot and cold gas and stars) and how they interact in the processes of star formation and feedback detected in central galaxies in cooling flow clusters, as well as the influence of the host cluster. We derive the optical dust extinction maps of the four nebulae. We also derive a range of different kinematic properties, given the small sample size. For Abell 0496 and 0780, we find that the stars and gas are kinematically decoupled, and in the case of Abell 1644 we find that these components are aligned. For Abell 2052, we find that the gaseous components show rotation even though no rotation is apparent in the stellar components. To the degree that our spatial resolution reveals, it appears that all the optical forbidden and hydrogen recombination lines originate in the same gas for all the galaxies. Based on optical diagnostic ratios ([OIII]λ5007/Hβ against [NII]λ6584/Hα, [SII]λ6717,6731/Hα, and [OI]λ6300/Hα), all objects contain a LINER nucleus and show extended LINER-like gas emission. We also show that the hardness of the ionizing continuum does not decrease radially within our field-of-view as the emission line ratios do not vary significantly with radius, thus the derived nebular properties are spatially homogeneous. We fit AGN and pAGB stars photoionisation models as well as shock excitation models to our derived diagnostic ratios. We suggest that AGN photoionisation is the most likely ionisation mechanism even though shocks and pAGB stars can not be conclusively eliminated.

ANALYSIS OF TWO SMALL MAGELLANIC CLOUD H II REGIONS CONSIDERING THERMAL INHOMOGENEITIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DETERMINATIONS OF EXTRAGALACTIC CHEMICAL ABUNDANCES

We present long slit spectrophotometry considering the presence of thermal inhomogeneities (t^2) of two HII regions in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC): NGC 456 and NGC 460. Physical conditions and chemical abundances were determined for three positions in NGC 456 and one position in NGC 460, first under the assumption of uniform temperature and then allowing for the possibility of thermal inhomogeneities. We determined t^2 values based on three different methods: i) by comparing the temperature derived using oxygen forbidden lines with the temperature derived using helium recombination lines, ii) by comparing the abundances derived from oxygen forbidden lines with those derived from oxygen recombination lines, and iii) by comparing the abundances derived from ultraviolet carbon forbidden lines with those derived from optical carbon recombination lines. The first two methods averaged t^2=0.067+-0.013 for NGC 456 and t^2=0.036+-0.027 for NGC 460. These values of t^2 imply that when gaseous abundances are determined with collisionally excited lines they are underestimated by a factor of nearly 2. From these objects and others in the literature, we find that in order to account for thermal inhomogeneities and dust depletion, the O/H ratio in low metallicity HII regions should be corrected by 0.25-0.45 dex depending on the thermal structure of the nebula, or by 0.35 dex if such information is not available.

Plasma diagnostics for planetary nebulae and H ii regions using N ii and O ii optical recombination lines

AbstractWe carry out plasma diagnostic analysis for a number of planetary nebulae (PNe) and H ii regions. We use N ii and O ii optical recombination lines (ORLs) with new effective recombination coefficients calculated under the intermediate coupling scheme, for a range of electron temperatures (Te) and densities (Ne), and fitted against the most reliable measurements. Comparing Te derived from ORLs, collisionally excited lines (CELs), the hydrogen Balmer Jump, and/or He i if available, we find the relation Te (ORLs) &lt; Te (He i) &lt; Te (H i BJ) &lt; Te (CELs), confirming the physical conditions in the bi-abundance model postulated by Liu et al., i.e. the nebula contains another cold, metal-rich and probably H-deficient component.

Atomic processes in planetary nebulae

AbstractProgress in the study of the atomic processes in planetary nebulae (PNe) is reviewed, focusing on the literature published since the last IAU symposium on PNe five years ago. High quality photoionization cross sections and recombination coefficients are now available for the first six ions of the trans-iron elements selenium and krypton, enabling robust modeling of their ionization structure and consequently converting the measured ionic abundances to elemental abundances. Major progress has been achieved in utilizing the recombination spectra of helium and heavy element ions to probe the nebular physical conditions. New ab initio, density-dependent effective recombination coefficients have been calculated for the recombination spectra of O ii and N ii, down to very low temperatures (~ 100–300 K). Plasma diagnostics based entirely on those heavy element recombination lines are developed and applied to the observations. It is shown that these heavy element recombination lines originate predominately from cold plasmas of temperatures ~ 1,000 K, in agreement with the predictions of the bi-abundance model that has been proposed to explain the dichotomy of nebular plasma diagnostics and abundance determinations using collisional excited lines (CELs) on the one hand and optical recombination lines (ORLs) on the other.

CHANDRA DISCOVERY OF A BINARY ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEUS IN Mrk 739

We have discovered a binary AGN in the galaxy Mrk 739 using Chandra and Swift BAT. We find two luminous L_2-10 keV=1.1*10^43 and 1.0*10^42 erg/s, unresolved nuclei with a projected separation of 3.4 kpc (5.8\pm0.1) coincident with two bulge components in the optical image. The western X-ray source (Mrk 739W) is highly variable (2.5x) during the 4-hour Chandra observation and has a very hard spectrum consistent with an AGN. While the eastern component was already known to be an AGN based on the presence of broad optical recombination lines, Mrk 739W shows no evidence of being an AGN in optical, UV, and radio observations, suggesting the critical importance of high spatial resolution hard X-ray observations (>2 keV) in finding these binary AGN. A high level of star formation combined with a very low L_[O III]/L_2-10 keV ratio cause the AGN to be missed in optical observations. CO observations of the (3-2) and (2-1) lines indicate large amounts of molecular gas in the system that could be driven towards the black holes during the violent galaxy collision and be key to fueling the binary AGN. Mrk 739E has a high Eddington ratio of 0.71 and a small black hole (log M_BH=7.05\pm0.3) consistent with an efficiently accreting AGN. Other than NGC 6240, this stands as the nearest case of a binary AGN discovered to date.

Very deep spectroscopy of the bright Saturn nebula NGC 7009 - I. Observations and plasma diagnostics

We present very deep CCD spectrum of the bright, medium-excitation planetary nebula NGC 7009, with a wavelength coverage from 3040 to 11000 A. Traditional emission line identification is carried out to identify all the emission features in the spectra, based on the available laboratory atomic transition data. Since the spectra are of medium resolution, we use multi-Gaussian line profile fitting to deblend faint blended lines, most of which are optical recombination lines (ORLs) emitted by singly ionized ions of abundant second-row elements such as C, N, O and Ne. Computer-aided emission-line identification, using the code EMILI developed by Sharpee et al., is then employed to further identify all the emission lines thus obtained. In total about 1200 emission features are identified, with the faintest ones down to fluxes 10^{-4} of H_beta. The flux errors for all emission lines, estimated from multi-Gaussian fitting, are presented. Plots of the whole optical spectrum, identified emission lines labeled, are presented along with the results of multi-Gaussian fits. Plasma diagnostics using optical forbidden line ratios are carried out. Also derived are electron temperatures and densities from the H I, He I and He II recombination spectrum.

New effective recombination coefficients for nebular N ii lines

Here we report new ${\it ab initio}$ calculations of the effective recombination coefficients for the \ion{N}{ii} recombination spectrum. We have taken into account the density dependence of the coefficients arising from the relative populations of the fine-structure levels of the ground state of the recombining ion, an elaboration that has not been attempted before for this ion, and it opens up the possibility of electron density determination via recombination line analysis. Photoionization cross-sections, bound state energies, and the oscillator strengths of \ion{N}{ii} with $n \leq 11$ and $l \leq 4$ have been obtained using the close-coupling R-matrix method in the intermediate coupling scheme. Photoionization data were computed that accurately map out the near-threshold resonances and were used to derive recombination coefficients, including radiative and dielectronic recombination. Also new is including the effects of dielectronic recombination via high-$n$ resonances lying between the $^2$P$^{\rm o}$\,$_{1/2}$ and $^2$P$^{\rm o}$\,$_{3/2}$ levels. The new calculations are valid for temperatures down to an unprecedentedly low level (approximately 100 K). The newly calculated effective recombination coefficients allow us to construct plasma diagnostics based on the measured strengths of the \ion{N}{ii} optical recombination lines (ORLs). The derived effective recombination coefficients are fitted with analytic formulae as a function of electron temperature for different electron densities. The dependence of the emissivities of the strongest transitions of \ion{N}{ii} on electron density and temperature is illustrated. Potential applications of the current data to electron density and temperature diagnostics for photoionized gaseous nebulae are discussed. We also present a method of determining electron temperature and density simultaneously.

Mass loss from inhomogeneous hot star winds

Mass-loss rates currently in use for hot, massive stars have recently been seriously questioned, mainly because of the effects of wind clumping. We investigate the impact of clumping on diagnostic ultraviolet resonance and optical recombination lines. Optically thick clumps, a non-void interclump medium, and a non-monotonic velocity field are all accounted for in a single model. We used 2D and 3D stochastic and radiation-hydrodynamic (RH) wind models, constructed by assembling 1D snapshots in radially independent slices. To compute synthetic spectra, we developed and used detailed radiative transfer codes for both recombination lines (solving the "formal integral") and resonance lines (using a Monte-Carlo approach). In addition, we propose an analytic method to model these lines in clumpy winds, which does not rely on optically thin clumping. Results: Synthetic spectra calculated directly from current RH wind models of the line-driven instability are unable to in parallel reproduce strategic optical and ultraviolet lines for the Galactic O-supergiant LCep. Using our stochastic wind models, we obtain consistent fits essentially by increasing the clumping in the inner wind. A mass-loss rate is derived that is approximately two times lower than predicted by the line-driven wind theory, but much higher than the corresponding rate derived from spectra when assuming optically thin clumps. Our analytic formulation for line formation is used to demonstrate the potential impact of optically thick clumping in weak-winded stars and to confirm recent results that resonance doublets may be used as tracers of wind structure and optically thick clumping. (Abridged)

DUST AND CHEMICAL ABUNDANCES OF THE SAGITTARIUS DWARF GALAXY PLANETARY NEBULA Hen2-436

We have estimated elemental abundances of the planetary nebula (PN) Hen2-436 in the Sagittarius (Sgr) spheroidal dwarf galaxy using ESO/VLT FORS2, Magellan/MMIRS, and Spitzer/IRS spectra. We have detected candidates of [F II] 4790A, [Kr III] 6826A, and [P II] 7875A lines and successfully estimated the abundances of these elements ([F/H]=+1.23, [Kr/H]=+0.26, [P/H]=+0.26) for the first time. We present a relation between C, F, P, and Kr abundances among PNe and C-rich stars. The detections of F and Kr support the idea that F and Kr together with C are synthesized in the same layer and brought to the surface by the third dredge-up. We have estimated the N^2+ and O^2+ abundances using optical recombination lines (ORLs) and collisionally excited lines (CELs). The discrepancy between the abundance derived from the O ORL and that derived from the O CEL is >1 dex. To investigate the status of the central star of the PN, nebula condition, and dust properties, we construct a theoretical SED model with CLOUDY. By comparing the derived luminosity and temperature of the central star with theoretical evolutionary tracks, we conclude that the initial mass of the progenitor is likely to be ~1.5-2.0 Msun and the age is ~3000 yr after the AGB phase. The observed elemental abundances can be explained by a theoretical nucleosynthesis model with a star of initial mass 2.25 Msun, Z=0.008 and LMC compositions. We have estimated the dust mass to be 2.9x10^-4 Msun (amorphous carbon only) or 4.0x10^-4 Msun (amorphous carbon and PAH). Based on the assumption that most of the observed dust is formed during the last two thermal pulses and the dust-to-gas mass ratio is 5.58x10^-3, the dust mass-loss rate and the total mass-loss rate are <3.1x10^-8 Msun / yr and <5.5x10^-6 Msun / yr, respectively. Our estimated dust mass-loss rate is comparable to a Sgr dwarf galaxy AGB star with similar metallicity and luminosity.

Three-dimensional chemically homogeneous and bi-abundance photoionization models of the ‘super-metal-rich’ planetary nebula NGC 6153

Deep spectroscopy of the planetary nebula (PN) NGC\,6153 shows that its heavy element abundances derived from optical recombination lines (ORLs) are ten times higher than those derived from collisionally excited lines (CELs), and points to the existence of H-deficient inclusions embedded in the diffuse nebula. In this study, we have constructed chemically homogeneous and bi-abundance three-dimensional photoionization models, using the Monte Carlo photoionization code {\sc mocassin}. We attempt to reproduce the multi-waveband spectroscopic and imaging observations of NGC\,6153, and investigate the nature and origin of the postulated H-deficient inclusions, as well as their impacts on the empirical nebular analyses assuming a uniform chemical composition. Our results show that chemically homogeneous models yield small electron temperature fluctuations and fail to reproduce the strengths of ORLs from C, N, O and Ne ions. In contrast, bi-abundance models incorporating a small amount of metal-rich inclusions ($\sim 1.3$ per cent of the total nebular mass) are able to match all the observations within the measurement uncertainties. The metal-rich clumps, cooled down to a very low temperature ($\sim 800$~K) by ionic infrared fine-structure lines, dominate the emission of heavy element ORLs, but contribute almost nil to the emission of most CELs. We find that the abundances of C, N, O and Ne derived empirically from CELs, assuming a uniform chemical composition, are about 30 per cent lower than the corresponding average values of the whole nebula, including the contribution from the H-deficient inclusions. Ironically, in the presence of H-deficient inclusions, the traditional standard analysis of the optical helium recombination lines, assuming a chemically homogeneous nebula, overestimates the helium abundance by 40 per cent.

THE SPECTRAL EVOLUTION AND EJECTA OF RECURRENT NOVA U Sco IN THE 2010 OUTBURST

Synoptic spectroscopic observations of the U Sco 2010 outburst from maximum light to quiescence as well as a contemporaneous X-ray observation are presented and analyzed. The X-ray spectrum 52 days after outburst indicates a hot source (kTbb ~ 70 eV). . Narrow line components from the irradiated companion atmosphere were observed in hydrogen and helium optical recombination lines. The formation of a nebular spectrum is seen for the first time in this class of recurrent novae, allowing a detailed study of the ejecta using photoionization models. Unusual [OIII] auroral-to-nebular line ratios were found and possible scenarios of their origin are discussed. The modeling of the emission line spectrum suggests a highly heterogeneous ejecta with mass around or above 3 x 10-6 Msun

The halo and rings of the planetary nebula NGC 40 in the mid-infrared

We present imaging and spectroscopy of NGC 40 acquired using the Spitzer Space Telescope (Spitzer), and the Infrared Space observatory (ISO). These are used to investigate the nature of emission from the central nebular shell, from the nebular halo, and from the associated circumnebular rings. It is pointed out that a variety of mechanisms may contribute to the mid-infrared (MIR) fluxes, and there is evidence for a cool dust continuum, strong ionic transitions, and appreciable emission by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Prior observations at shorter wavelengths also indicate the presence of warmer grains, and the possible contribution of H2 transitions. It is suggested that an apparent jet-like structure to the NE of the halo represents one of the many emission spokes that permeate the shell. The spokes are likely to be caused by the percolation of UV photons through a clumpy interior shell, whilst the jet-like feature is enhanced due to locally elevated electron densities; a result of interaction between NGC 40 and the interstellar medium. It is finally noted that the presence of the PAH, 21 microns and 30 microns spectral features testifies to appreciable C/O ratios within the main nebular shell. Such a result is consistent with abundance determinations using collisionally excited lines, but not with those determined using optical recombination lines

THE ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE HALO PN BoBn 1: FROM A VIEWPOINT OF CHEMICAL ABUNDANCES BASED ON MULTIWAVELENGTH SPECTRA

We have performed a comprehensive chemical abundance analysis of the extremely metal-poor ([Ar/H]<-2) halo planetary nebula (PN) BoBn 1 based on IUE archive data, Subaru/HDS spectra, VLT/UVES archive data, and Spitzer/IRS spectra. We have detected over 600 lines in total and calculated ionic and elemental abundances of 13 elements using detected optical recombination lines (ORLs) and collisionally excited lines (CELs). The estimations of C, N, O, and Ne abundances from the ORLs and Kr, Xe, and Ba from the CELs are done the first for this nebula, empirically and theoretically. The C, N, O, and Ne abundances from ORLs are systematically larger than those from CELs. The abundance discrepancies apart from O could be explained by a temperature fluctuation model, and that of O might be by a hydrogen deficient cold component model. We have detected 5 fluorine and several s-process elements. The amounts of [F/H], [Kr/H], and [Xe/H] suggest that BoBn 1 is the most F-rich among F detected PNe and is a heavy s-process element rich PN. We have confirmed dust in the nebula that is composed of amorphous carbon and PAHs with a total mass of 5.8 x 10^-6 Msun. The photo-ionization models built with non-LTE theoretical stellar atmospheres indicate that the progenitor was a 1-1.5 Msun star that would evolve into a white dwarf with an ~0.62 Msun core mass and ~0.09 Msun ionized nebula. The derived elemental abundances have been reviewed from the standpoint of theoretical nucleosynthesis models. It is likely that the elemental abundances except N could be explained either by a 1.5 Msun single star model or by a binary model composed of 0.75 Msun + 1.5 Msun stars. Careful examination implies that BoBn 1 has evolved from a 0.75 Msun + 1.5 Msun binary and experienced coalescence during the evolution to become a visible PN, similar to the other extremely metal-poor halo PN, K 648 in M 15.

CAN SOLID BODY DESTRUCTION EXPLAIN ABUNDANCE DISCREPANCIES IN PLANETARY NEBULAE?

ABSTRACT In planetary nebulae (PNe), abundances of oxygen and other heavy elements derived from optical recombination lines are systematically higher than those derived from collisionally excited lines. We investigate the hypothesis that the destruction of solid bodies may produce pockets of cool, high-metallicity gas that could explain these abundance discrepancies. Under the assumption of maximally efficient radiative ablation, we derive two fundamental constraints that the solid bodies must satisfy in order that their evaporation during the PN phase should generate a high enough gas-phase metallicity. A local constraint implies that the bodies must be larger than tens of meters, while a global constraint implies that the total mass of the solid body reservoir must exceed a few hundredths of a solar mass. This mass greatly exceeds the mass of any population of comets or large debris particles expected to be found orbiting evolved low- to intermediate-mass stars. We therefore conclude that contemporaneous solid body destruction cannot explain the observed abundance discrepancies in PNe. However, similar arguments applied to the sublimation of solid bodies during the preceding asymptotic giant branch phase do not lead to such a clear-cut conclusion. In this case, the required reservoir of volatile solids is only one ten-thousandth of a solar mass, which is comparable to the most massive debris disks observed around solar-type stars, implying that this mechanism may contribute to abundance discrepancies in at least some PNe, so long as mixing of the high-metallicity gas is inefficient.

DETERMINING STAR FORMATION RATES FOR INFRARED GALAXIES

We show that measures of star formation rates (SFRs) for infrared galaxies using either single-band 24 um or extinction-corrected Paschen-alpha luminosities are consistent in the total infrared luminosity = L(TIR) ~ 10^10 L_sun range. MIPS 24 micron photometry can yield star formation rates accurately from this luminosity upward: SFR(M_sun/yr) = 7.8 x 10^-10 L(24 um, L_sun) from L(TIR) = 5 x 10^9 L_sun to 10^11 L_sun, and SFR = 7.8 x 10^-10 L(24 um, L_sun) x (7.76 x 10^-11 L(24))^0.048 for higher L(TIR). For galaxies with L(TIR) >= 10^10 L_sun, these new expressions should provide SFRs to within 0.2 dex. For L(TIR) >= 10^11 L_sun, we find that the SFR of infrared galaxies is significantly underestimated using extinction-corrected Pa-alpha (and presumably using any other optical or near infrared recombination lines). As a part of this work, we constructed spectral energy distribution (SED) templates for eleven luminous and ultraluminous purely star forming infrared galaxies (LIRGs and ULIRGs) and over the spectral range 0.4 microns to 30 cm. We use these templates and the SINGS data to construct average templates from 5 microns to 30 cm for infrared galaxies with L(TIR) = 5 x 10^9 to 10^13 L_sun. All of these templates are made available on line.