arXiv subjects

J. W. Kruk

Publications and source records attributed to J. W. Kruk.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2020

Stellar laboratories. X. New Cu IV - VII oscillator strengths and the first detection of copper and indium in hot white dwarfs

Accurate atomic data is an essential ingredient for the calculation of reliable non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres that are mandatory for the spectral analysis of hot stars. We aim to search for and identify for the first time spectral lines of copper (atomic number Z = 29) and indium (Z = 49) in hot white dwarf (WD) stars and to subsequently determine their photospheric abundances. Oscillator strengths of Cu IV - VII were calculated to include radiative and collisional bound-bound transitions of Cu in our NLTE model-atmosphere calculations. Oscillator strengths of In IV - VI were compiled from the literature. We newly identified 1 Cu IV, 51 Cu V, 2 Cu VI, and 5 In Vlines in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of DO-type WD RE 0503-289. We determined the photospheric abundances of 9.3 X 10**-5 (mass fraction, 132 times solar) and 3.0 X 10**-5 (56 600 times solar), respectively; we also found Cu overabundances in the DA-type WD G191-B2B (6.3 X 10**-6, 9 times solar). All identified Cu IV - VI lines in the UV spectrum of RE 0503-289 were simultaneously well reproduced with our newly calculated oscillator strengths. With the detection of Cu and In in RE 0503-289, the total number of trans-iron elements (Z > 28) in this extraordinary WD reaches an unprecedented number of 18.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

First discovery of trans-iron elements in a DAO-type white dwarf (BD$-22{^\circ}3467$)

We have identified 484 lines of the trans-iron elements (TIEs) Zn, Ga, Ge, Se, Br, Kr, Sr, Zr, Mo, In, Te, I, Xe, and Ba, for the first time in the ultraviolet spectrum of a DAO-type WD, namely BD$-22{^\circ}3467$, surrounded by the ionized nebula Abell 35. Our TIE abundance determination shows extremely high overabundances of up to five dex -- a similar effect is already known from hot, H-deficient (DO-type) white dwarfs. In contrast to these where a pulse-driven convection zone has enriched the photosphere with TIEs during a final thermal pulse and radiative levitation has established the extreme TIE overabundances, {here the extreme TIE overabundances are exclusively driven by radiative levitation on the initial stellar metallicity. The very low mass ($0.533^{+0.040}_{-0.025}\,M_\odot$) of BD$-22{^\circ}3467$ implies that a third dredge-up with enrichment of s-process elements in the photosphere did not occur in the AGB precursor.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Spectral analysis of the hybrid PG 1159-type central stars of the planetary nebulae Abell 43 and NGC 7094

Stellar post asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) evolution can be completely altered by a final thermal pulse (FTP) which may occur when the star is still leaving the AGB (AFTP), at the departure from the AGB at still constant luminosity (late TP, LTP) or after the entry to the white-dwarf cooling sequence (very late TP, VLTP). Then convection mixes the He-rich material with the H-rich envelope. According to stellar evolution models the result is a star with a surface composition of $\mathrm{H}\approx\,20\,$% by mass (AFTP), $\approx 1\,$% (LTP), or (almost) no H (VLTP). Since FTP stars exhibit intershell material at their surface, spectral analyses establish constraints for AGB nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution. We performed a spectral analysis of the so-called hybrid PG 1159-type central stars (CS) of the planetary nebulae Abell 43 and NGC7094 by means of non-local thermodynamical equilibrium models. We confirm the previously determined effective temperatures of $T_\mathrm{eff} = 115\,000\pm 5\,000\,$K and determine surface gravities of $\log (g\,/\,\mathrm{cm/s^2}) = 5.6\pm 0.1$ for both. From a comparison with AFTP evolutionary tracks, we derive stellar masses of $0.57^{+0.07}_{-0.04}\,M_\odot$ and determine the abundances of H, He, and metals up to Xe. Both CS are likely AFTP stars with a surface H mass fraction of $0.25 \pm 0.03$ and $0.15 \pm 0.03$, respectively, and a Fe deficiency indicating subsolar initial metallicities. The light metals show typical PG 1159-type abundances and the elemental composition is in good agreement with predictions from AFTP evolutionary models. However, the expansion ages do not agree with evolution timescales expected from the AFTP scenario and alternatives should be explored.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

An Ultra Deep Field survey with WFIRST

Studying the formation and evolution of galaxies at the earliest cosmic times, and their role in reionization, requires the deepest imaging possible. Ultra-deep surveys like the HUDF and HFF have pushed to mag \mAB$\,\sim\,$30, revealing galaxies at the faint end of the LF to $z$$\,\sim\,$9$\,-\,$11 and constraining their role in reionization. However, a key limitation of these fields is their size, only a few arcminutes (less than a Mpc at these redshifts), too small to probe large-scale environments or clustering properties of these galaxies, crucial for advancing our understanding of reionization. Achieving HUDF-quality depth over areas $\sim$100 times larger becomes possible with a mission like the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), a 2.4-m telescope with similar optical properties to HST, with a field of view of $\sim$1000 arcmin$^2$, $\sim$100$\times$ the area of the HST/ACS HUDF. This whitepaper motivates an Ultra-Deep Field survey with WFIRST, covering $\sim$100$\,-\,$300$\times$ the area of the HUDF, or up to $\sim$1 deg$^2$, to \mAB$\,\sim\,$30, potentially revealing thousands of galaxies and AGN at the faint end of the LF, at or beyond $z$\,$\sim$\,9$\,-\,$10 in the epoch of reionization, and tracing their LSS environments, dramatically increasing the discovery potential at these redshifts. (Note: This paper is a somewhat expanded version of one that was submitted as input to the Astro2020 Decadal Survey, with this version including an Appendix (which exceeded the Astro2020 page limits), describing how the science drivers for a WFIRST Ultra Deep Field might map into a notional observing program, including the filters used and exposure times needed to achieve these depths.)

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

LSST Observing Strategy White Paper: LSST Observations of WFIRST Deep Fields

The Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) is expected to launch in the mid-2020s. With its wide-field near-infrared (NIR) camera, it will survey the sky to unprecedented detail. As part of normal operations and as the result of multiple expected dedicated surveys, WFIRST will produce several relatively wide-field (tens of square degrees) deep (limiting magnitude of 28 or fainter) fields. In particular, a planned supernova survey is expected to image 3 deep fields in the LSST footprint roughly every 5 days over 2 years. Stacking all data, this survey will produce, over all WFIRST supernova fields in the LSST footprint, ~12-25 deg^2 and ~5-15 deg^2 regions to depths of ~28 mag and ~29 mag, respectively. We suggest LSST undertake mini-surveys that will match the WFIRST cadence and simultaneously observe the supernova survey fields during the 2-year WFIRST supernova survey, achieving a stacked depth similar to that of the WFIRST data. We also suggest additional observations of these same regions throughout the LSST survey to get deep images earlier, have long-term monitoring in the fields, and produce deeper images overall. These fields will provide a legacy for cosmology, extragalactic, and transient/variable science.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2018

The hot white dwarf in the peculiar binary nucleus of the planetary nebula EGB6

EGB6 is an extended, faint old planetary nebula (PN) with an enigmatic nucleus. The central star (PG0950+139) is a hot DAOZ-type white dwarf (WD). An unresolved, compact emission knot was discovered to be located 0.166" away from the WD and it was shown to be centered around a dust-enshrouded low-luminosity star. It was argued that the dust disk and evaporated gas (photoionized by the hot WD) around the companion are remnants of a disk formed by wind material captured from the WD progenitor when it was an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. In this paper, we assess the hot WD to determine its atmospheric and stellar parameters. We performed a model-atmosphere analysis of ultraviolet (UV) and optical spectra. We found Teff = 105,000 +/- 5000 K, log g = 7.4 +/- 0.4, and a solar helium abundance (He = 0.25 +/- 0.1, mass fraction). We measured the abundances of ten more species (C, N, O, F, Si, P, S, Ar, Fe, Ni) and found essentially solar abundance values, indicating that radiation-driven wind mass-loss, with a theoretical rate of log(dot-M/M_sun/yr) = -11.0 (+1.1)(-0.8) prevents the gravitational separation of elements in the photosphere. The WD has a mass of M/M_sun = 0.58 (+0.12)(-0.04) and its post-AGB age (log(t_evol/yr) = 3.60 (+1.26)(-0.09)) is compatible with the PN kinematical age of log(t_PN}/yr) = 4.2. In addition, we examined the UV spectrum of the hot nucleus of a similar object with a compact emission region, TOL26 (PN G298.0+34.8), and found that it is a slightly cooler DAOZ WD (Teff about 85,000 K), but this WD shows signatures of gravitational settling of heavy elements.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

First detection of bromine and antimony in hot stars

Bromine (atomic number Z=35) and antimony (Z=51) are extremely difficult to detect in stars. In very few instances, weak and mostly uncertain identifications of Br I, Br II, and Sb II in relatively cool, chemically peculiar stars were successful. Adopted solar abundance values rely on meteoritic determinations. Here, we announce the first identification of these species in far-ultraviolet spectra of hot stars (with effective temperatures of 49,500-70,000 K), namely in helium-rich (spectral type DO) white dwarfs. We identify the Br VI resonance line at 945.96 A. A previous claim of Br detection based on this line is incorrect because its wavelength position is inaccurate by about 7 A in atomic databases. Taking advantage of precise laboratory measurements, we identify this line as well as two other, subordinate Br VI lines. Antimony is detected by the Sb V resonance doublet at 1104.23/1225.98 A, as well as two subordinate Sb VI lines. A model-atmosphere analysis reveals strongly oversolar Br and Sb abundances that are caused by radiative-levitation dominated atomic diffusion.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

Search for trans-iron elements in hot, helium-rich white dwarfs with the HST Cosmic Origins Spectrograph

The metal abundances in the atmospheres of hot white dwarfs (WDs) entering the cooling sequence are determined by the preceding Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) evolutionary phase and, subsequently, by the onset of gravitational settling and radiative levitation. In this paper, we investigate three hot He-rich WDs, which are believed to result from a late He-shell flash. During such a flash, the He-rich intershell matter is dredged up and dominates the surface chemistry. Hence, in contrast to the usual H-rich WDs, their spectra allow direct access to s-process element abundances in the intershell that were synthesized during the AGB stage. In order to look for trans-iron group elements (atomic number Z>29), we performed a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere analysis of new ultraviolet spectra taken with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. One of our program stars is of PG1159 spectral type; this star, PG1707+427, has effective temperature Teff=85,000 K, and surface gravity logg=7.5. The two other stars are DO white dwarfs: WD0111+002 has Teff=58,000 K and logg=7.7, and PG0109+111 has Teff=70,000 K and logg=8.0. These stars trace the onset of element diffusion during early WD evolution. While zinc is the only trans-iron element we could detect in the PG1159 star, both DOs exhibit lines from Zn, Ga, Ge, Se; one additionally exhibits lines from Sr, Sn, Te, and I and the other from As. Generally, the trans-iron elements are very abundant in the DOs, meaning that radiative levitation must be acting. Most extreme is the almost six orders of magnitude oversolar abundance of tellurium in PG0109+111. In terms of mass fraction, it is the most abundant metal in the atmosphere. The two DOs join the hitherto unique hot DO RE0503-289, in which 14 trans-iron elements had even been identified.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

Stellar laboratories. IX. New Se V, Sr IV - VII, Te VI, and I VI oscillator strengths and the Se, Sr, Te, and I abundances in the hot white dwarfs G191-B2B and RE 0503-289

To analyze spectra of hot stars, advanced non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model-atmosphere techniques are mandatory. Reliable atomic data is for the calculation of such model atmospheres. We aim to calculate new Sr IV - VII oscillator strengths to identify for the first time Sr spectral lines in hot white dwarf (WD) stars and to determine the photospheric Sr abundances. o measure the abundances of Se, Te, and I in hot WDs, we aim to compute new Se V, Te VI, and I VI oscillator strengths. To consider radiative and collisional bound-bound transitions of Se V, Sr IV - VII, Te VI, and I VI in our NLTE atmosphere models, we calculated oscillator strengths for these ions. We newly identified four Se V, 23 Sr V, 1 Te VI, and three I VI lines in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of RE0503-289. We measured a photospheric Sr abundance of 6.5 +3.8/-2.4 x 10**-4 (mass fraction, 9500 - 23800 times solar). We determined the abundances of Se (1.6 +0.9/-0.6 x 10**-3, 8000 - 20000), Te (2.5 +1.5/-0.9 x 10**-4, 11000 - 28000), and I (1.4 +0.8/-0.5 x 10**-5, 2700 - 6700). No Se, Sr, Te, and I line was found in the UV spectra of G191-B2B and we could determine only upper abundance limits of approximately 100 times solar. All identified Se V, Sr V, Te VI, and I VI lines in the UV spectrum of RE0503-289 were simultaneously well reproduced with our newly calculated oscillator strengths.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

Stellar laboratories. VIII. New Zr IV - VII, Xe IV - V, and Xe VII oscillator strengths and the Al, Zr, and Xe abundances in the hot white dwarfs G191-B2B and RE0503-289

For the spectral analysis of high-resolution and high-signal-to-noise spectra of hot stars, state-of-the-art non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres are mandatory. These are strongly dependent on the reliability of the atomic data that is used for their calculation. To search for Zr and Xe lines in the ultraviolet (UV) spectra of G191-B2B and RE0503-289, new Zr IV-VII, Xe IV-V, and Xe VIII oscillator strengths were calculated. This allows for the first time, determination of the Zr abundance in white dwarf (WD) stars and improvement of the Xe abundance determinations. We calculated Zr IV-VII, Xe IV-V, and Xe VIII oscillator strengths to consider radiative and collisional bound-bound transitions of Zr and Xe in our NLTE stellar-atmosphere models for the analysis of their lines exhibited in UV observations of the hot WDs G191-B2B and RE0503-289. We identified one new Zr IV, 14 new Zr V, and ten new Zr VI lines in the spectrum of RE0503-289. Zr was detected for the first time in a WD. We measured a Zr abundance of -3.5 +/- 0.2 (logarithmic mass fraction, approx. 11 500 times solar). We dentified five new Xe VI lines and determined a Xe abundance of -3.9 +/- 0.2 (approx. 7500 times solar). We determined a preliminary photospheric Al abundance of -4.3 +/- 0.2 (solar) in RE0503-289. In the spectra of G191-B2B, no Zr line was identified. The strongest Zr IV line (1598.948 A) in our model gave an upper limit of -5.6 +/- 0.3 which is about 100 times solar. No Xe line was identified in the UV spectrum of G191-B2B and we confirmed the previously determined upper limit of -6.8 +/- 0.3 (ten times solar). Precise measurements and calculations of atomic data are a prerequisite for advanced NLTE stellar-atmosphere modeling. Observed Zr IV - VI and Xe VI - VII line profiles in the UV spectrum of RE0503-289 were simultaneously well reproduced.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Complete spectral energy distribution of the hot, helium-rich white dwarf RX J0503.9-2854

In the line-of-sight toward the DO-type white dwarf RX J0503.9-2854, the density of the interstellar medium (ISM) is very low, and thus the contamination of the stellar spectrum almost negligible. This allows us to identify many metal lines in a wide wavelength range from the extreme ultraviolet to the near infrared. In previous spectral analyses, many metal lines in the ultraviolet spectrum of RX J0503.9-2854 have been identified. A complete line list of observed and identified lines is presented here. We compared synthetic spectra that had been calculated from model atmospheres in non-local thermodynamical equilibrium, with observations. In total, we identified 1272 lines (279 of them were newly assigned) in the wavelength range from the extreme ultraviolet to the near infrared. 287 lines remain unidentified. A close inspection of the EUV shows that still no good fit to the observed shape of the stellar continuum flux can be achieved although He, C, N, O, Al, Si, P, S, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Kr, Zr, Mo, Sn, Xe, and Ba are included in the stellar atmosphere models. There are two possible reasons for the deviation between observed and synthetic flux in the EUV. Opacities from hitherto unconsidered elements in the model-atmosphere calculation may be missing and/or the effective temperature is slightly lower than previously determined.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

The far-ultraviolet spectra of two hot PG1159 stars

PG1159 stars are hot, hydrogen-deficient (pre-) white dwarfs with atmospheres mainly composed of helium, carbon, and oxygen. The unusual surface chemistry is the result of a late helium-shell flash. Observed element abundances enable us to test stellar evolution models quantitatively with respect to their nucleosynthesis products formed near the helium-burning shell of the progenitor asymptotic giant branch stars. Because of the high effective temperatures (Teff), abundance determinations require ultraviolet spectroscopy and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere analyses. Up to now, we have presented results for the prototype of this spectral class and two cooler members (Teff in the range 85,000-140,000 K). Here we report on the results for two even hotter stars (PG1520+525 and PG1144+005, both with Teff = 150,000 K) which are the only two objects in this temperature-gravity region for which useful far-ultraviolet spectra are available, and revisit the prototype star. Previous results on the abundances of some species are confirmed, while results on others (Si, P, S) are revised. In particular, a solar abundance of sulphur is measured in contrast to earlier claims of a strong S deficiency that contradicted stellar evolution models. For the first time, we assess the abundances of Na, Al, and Cl with newly constructed non-LTE model atoms. Besides the main constituents (He, C, O), we determine the abundances (or upper limits) of N, F, Ne, Na, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, and Fe. Generally, good agreement with stellar models is found.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

Stellar laboratories. VII. New Kr IV - VII oscillator strengths and an improved spectral analysis of the hot, hydrogen-deficient DO-type white dwarf RE0503-289

For the spectral analysis of high-resolution and high-signal-to-noise (S/N) spectra of hot stars, state-of-the-art non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres are mandatory. These are strongly dependent on the reliability of the atomic data that is used for their calculation. New of Kr IV - VII oscillator strengths for a large number of lines allow to construct more detailed model atoms for our NLTE model-atmosphere calculations. This enables us to search for additional Kr lines in observed spectra and to improve Kr abundance determinations. We calculated Kr IV - VII oscillator strengths to consider radiative and collisional bound-bound transitions in detail in our NLTE stellar-atmosphere models for the analysis of Kr lines exhibited in high-resolution and high-S/N ultraviolet (UV) observations of the hot white dwarf RE 0503-289. We reanalyzed the effective temperature and surface gravity and determined Teff = 70 000 +/- 2000 K and log (g / cm/s**2) = 7.5 +/- 0.1. We newly identified ten Kr V lines and one Kr VI line in the spectrum of RE 0503-289. We measured a Kr abundance of -3.3 +/- 0.3 (logarithmic mass fraction). We discovered that the interstellar absorption toward RE 0503-289 has a multi-velocity structure within a radial-velocity interval of -40 km/s < vrad < +18 km/s. Reliable measurements and calculations of atomic data are a prerequisite for state-of-the-art NLTE stellar-atmosphere modeling. Observed Kr V - VII line profiles in the UV spectrum of the white dwarf RE 0503-289 were simultaneously well reproduced with our newly calculated oscillator strengths.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

Stellar laboratories. VI. New Mo IV - VII oscillator strengths and the molybdenum abundance in the hot white dwarfs G191-B2B and RE0503-289

For the spectral analysis of high-resolution and high-signal-to-noise (S/N) spectra of hot stars, state-of-the-art non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres are mandatory. These are strongly dependent on the reliability of the atomic data that is used for their calculation. To identify molybdenum lines in the ultraviolet (UV) spectra of the DA-type white dwarf G191-B2B and the DO-type white dwarf RE0503-289 and to determine their photospheric Mo abundances, newly calculated Mo IV - VII oscillator strengths are used. We identified twelve Mo V and nine Mo VI lines in the UV spectrum of RE0503-289 and measured a photospheric Mo abundance of 1.2 - 3.0 x 10**-4 (mass fraction, 22500 - 56400 times the solar abundance). In addition, from the As V and Sn IV resonance lines, we measured mass fractions of arsenic (0.5 - 1.3 x 10**-5, about 300 - 1200 times solar) and tin (1.3 - 3.2 x 10**-4, about 14300 35200 times solar). For G191-B2B, upper limits were determined for the abundances of Mo (5.3 x 10**-7, 100 times solar) and, in addition, for Kr (1.1 x 10**-6, 10 times solar) and Xe (1.7 x 10**-7, 10 times solar). The arsenic abundance was determined (2.3 - 5.9 x 10**-7, about 21 - 53 times solar). A new, registered German Astrophysical Virtual Observatory (GAVO) service, TOSS, has been constructed to provide weighted oscillator strengths and transition probabilities. Reliable measurements and calculations of atomic data are a prerequisite for stellar-atmosphere modeling. Observed Mo V - VI line profiles in the UV spectrum of the white dwarf RE0503-289 were well reproduced with our newly calculated oscillator strengths. For the first time, this allowed to determine the photospheric Mo abundance in a white dwarf.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

The far-ultraviolet spectra of "cool" PG1159 stars

We present a comprehensive study of Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectra (912-1190 A) of two members of the PG1159 spectral class, which consists of hydrogen-deficient (pre-) white dwarfs with effective temperatures in the range Teff = 75,000-200,000 K. As two representatives of the cooler objects, we have selected PG1707+427 (Teff = 85,000 K) and PG1424+535 (Teff = 110,000 K), complementing a previous study of the hotter prototype PG1159-035 (Teff = 140,000 K). The helium-dominated atmospheres are strongly enriched in carbon and oxygen, therefore, their spectra are dominated by lines from C III-IV and O III-VI, many of which were never observed before in hot stars. In addition, lines of many other metals (N, F, Ne, Si, P, S, Ar, Fe) are detectable, demonstrating that observations in this spectral region are most rewarding when compared to the near-ultraviolet and optical wavelength bands. We perform abundance analyses of these species and derive upper limits for several undetected light and heavy metals including iron-group and trans-iron elements. The results are compared to predictions of stellar evolution models for neutron-capture nucleosynthesis and good agreement is found.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

Search with UVES and XSHOOTER for signatures of the low-mass secondary in the post common-envelope binary AA Dor

AA Dor is a close, totally eclipsing, post common-envelope binary with an sdOB-type primary and an extremely low-mass secondary, located close to the mass limit of stable central hydrogen burning. Within error limits, it may either be a brown dwarf or a late M-type dwarf. We aim to extract the secondary's contribution to the phase-dependent composite spectra. The spectrum and identified lines of the secondary decide on its nature. In January 2014, we measured the phase-dependent spectrum of AA Dor with XSHOOTER over one complete orbital period. Since the secondary's rotation is presumable synchronized with the orbital period, its surface strictly divides into a day and night side. Therefore, we may obtain the spectrum of its cool side during its transit and of its hot, irradiated side close to its occultation. We developed the Virtual Observatory (VO) tool TLISA to search for weak lines of a faint companion in a binary system. We identified 53 spectral lines of the secondary in the ultraviolet-blue, visual, and near-infrared XSHOOTER spectra that are strongest close to its occultation. We identified 57 (20 additional) lines in available UVES (Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph) spectra from 2001. The lines are mostly from C II-III and O II, typical for a low-mass star that is irradiated and heated by the primary. We verified the orbital period of P = 22597.033201 +/- 0.00007 s and determined the orbital velocity Ksec = 232.9 (+16.6 / -6.5) km/s of the secondary. The mass of the secondary is Msec = 0.081 (+0.018 / -0.010) Msun and, hence, it is not possible to reliably determine a brown dwarf or an M-type dwarf nature. Although we identified many emission lines of the secondary's irradiated surface, the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of our UVES and XSHOOTER spectra are not good enough to extract a good spectrum of the secondary's nonirradiated hemisphere.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

Stellar laboratories IV. New Ga IV, Ga V, and Ga VI oscillator strengths and the gallium abundance in the hot white dwarfs G191-B2B and RE0503-289

For the spectral analysis of high-resolution and high-signal-to-noise (S/N) spectra of hot stars, advanced non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres are mandatory. These atmospheres are strongly dependent on the reliability of the atomic data that are used to calculate them. Reliable Ga IV - VI oscillator strengths are used to identify Ga lines in the spectra of the DA-type white dwarf G191-B2B and the DO-type white dwarf RE0503-289 and to determine their photospheric Ga abundances. We newly calculated Ga IV - VI oscillator strengths to consider their radiative and collisional bound-bound transitions in detail in our NLTE stellar-atmosphere models for analyzing of Ga lines exhibited in high-resolution and high-S/N UV observations of G191-B2B and RE0503-289. We unambiguously detected 20 isolated and 6 blended (with lines of other species) Ga V lines in the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectrum of RE0503-289. The identification of Ga IV and Ga VI lines is uncertain because they are weak and partly blended by other lines. The determined Ga abundance is 3.5 +/- 0.5 x 10**-5 (mass fraction, about 625 times solar). The Ga IV / GA V ionization equilibrium, which is a very sensitive indicator for the effective temperature, is well reproduced in RE0503-289. We identified the strongest Ga IV lines (1258.801, 1338.129 A) in the HST/STIS (Hubble Space Telescope / Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) spectrum of G191-B2B and measured a Ga abundance of 2.0 +/- 0.5 x 10**-6 (about 22 times solar). Reliable measurements and calculations of atomic data are a prerequisite for stellar-atmosphere modeling. Observed Ga IV - V line profiles in two white dwarf (G191-B2B and RE0503-289) ultraviolet spectra were well reproduced with our newly calculated oscillator strengths. For the first time, this allowed us to determine the photospheric Ga abundance in white dwarfs.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

On helium-dominated stellar evolution: the mysterious role of the O(He)-type stars

About a quarter of all post-asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are hydrogen-deficient. Stellar evolutionary models explain the carbon-dominated H-deficient stars by a (very) late thermal pulse scenario where the hydrogen-rich envelope is mixed with the helium-rich intershell layer. Depending on the particular time at which the final flash occurs, the entire hydrogen envelope may be burned. In contrast, helium-dominated post-AGB stars and their evolution are yet not understood. A small group of very hot, helium-dominated stars is formed by O(He)-type stars. We performed a detailed spectral analysis of ultraviolet and optical spectra of four O(He) stars by means of state-of-the-art non-LTE model-atmosphere techniques. We determined effective temperatures, surface gravities, and the abundances of H, He, C, N, O, F, Ne, Si, P, S, Ar, and Fe. By deriving upper limits for the mass-loss rates of the O(He) stars, we found that they do not exhibit enhanced mass-loss. The comparison with evolutionary models shows that the status of the O(He) stars remains uncertain. Their abundances match predictions of a double helium white dwarf merger scenario, suggesting that they might be the progeny of the compact and of the luminous helium-rich sdO-type stars. The existence of planetary nebulae that do not show helium enrichment around every other O(He) star, precludes a merger origin for these stars. These stars must have formed in a different way, for instance via enhanced mass-loss during their post-AGB evolution or a merger within a common-envelope (CE) of a CO-WD and a red giant or AGB star. A helium-dominated stellar evolutionary sequence exists, that may be fed by different types of mergers or CE scenarios. It appears likely, that all these pass through the O(He) phase just before they become white dwarfs.

astro-ph.SR↗