arXiv subjects

O. Kochukhov

Publications and source records attributed to O. Kochukhov.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

arXiv2007

Zeeman split lines in CP stars: a discovery of low-contrast fields in slow rotators?

We show that high-resolution observations of resolved Zeeman split lines can be used to obtain new constraints on the stellar magnetic field geometry. In particular, the contrast of the field strength distribution over the stellar surface can be deduced from the differential measurement of the second moment of the pi and sigma Zeeman components. Our analysis of the triplet lines in slowly rotating cool magnetic CP stars uncovers a surprisingly homogeneous field structure, inconsistent with any low-order multipolar geometry.

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arXiv2007

A search of very low amplitude magnetoacoustic pulsations with HARPS

We have obtained time-resolved spectroscopic observations for a sample of 10 cool Ap stars using the ultra-stable spectrograph HARPS at the ESO 3.6-m telescope. The aim of our study was to search for low-amplitude oscillations in Ap stars with no or inconclusive evidence of pulsational variability. Here we report initial results of our investigation. We confirm the presence of ~16-min period pulsations in beta CrB (HD 137909) and demonstrate multiperiodic character of oscillations in this star. Furthermore, we discovered very low amplitude 9-min pulsations in HD 75445 - an object spectroscopically very similar to known roAp stars.

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arXiv2007

Late stages of the evolution of A-type stars on the main sequence: comparison between observed chemical abundances and diffusion models for 8 Am stars of the Praesepe cluster

Aims. We aim to provide observational constraints on diffusion models that predict peculiar chemical abundances in the atmospheres of Am stars. We also intend to check if chemical peculiarities and slow rotation can be explained by the presence of a weak magnetic field. Methods. We have obtained high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of eight previously-classified Am stars, two normal A-type stars and one Blue Straggler, considered to be members of the Praesepe cluster. For all of these stars we have determined fundamental parameters and photospheric abundances for a large number of chemical elements, with a higher precision than was ever obtained before for this cluster. For seven of these stars we also obtained spectra in circular polarization and applied the LSD technique to constrain the longitudinal magnetic field. Results. No magnetic field was detected in any of the analysed stars. HD 73666, a Blue Straggler previously considered as an Ap (Si) star, turns out to have the abundances of a normal A-type star. Am classification is not confirmed for HD 72942. For HD 73709 we have also calculated synthetic Delta-a photometry that is in good agreement with the observations. There is a generally good agreement between abundance predictions of diffusion models and values that we have obtained for the remaining Am stars. However, the observed Na and S abundances deviate from the predictions by 0.6 dex and >0.25 dex respectively. Li appears to be overabundant in three stars of our sample.

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arXiv2007

Pulsation tomography of rapidly oscillating Ap stars. Resolving the third dimension in peculiar pulsating stellar atmospheres

We present detailed analysis of the vertical pulsation mode cross-section in ten rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars based on spectroscopic time-series observations. The aim of this analysis is to derive from observations a complete picture of how the amplitude and phase of magnetoacoustic waves depend on depth. We find common features in the pulsational behaviour of roAp stars. Within a sample of representative elements the lowest amplitudes are detected for Eu II (and Fe in 33 Lib and in HD 19918), then pulsations go through the layers where Halpha core, Nd, and Pr lines are formed. There RV amplitude reaches its maximum, and after that decreases in most stars. The maximum RV of the second REE ions is always delayed relative to the first ions. The largest phase shifts are detected in Tb III and Th III lines. Pulsational variability of the Th III lines is detected here for the first time. The Y II lines deviate from this picture, showing even lower amplitudes than Eu II lines but half a period phase shift relative to other weakly pulsating lines. The roAp stars exhibit similarity in the depth-dependence of pulsation phase and amplitude, indicating similar chemical stratification and comparable vertical mode cross-sections. In general, pulsations waves are represented by a superposition of the running and standing wave components. In the atmospheres of roAp stars with the pulsation frequency below the acoustic cut-off frequency, pulsations have a standing-wave character in the deeper layers and behave like a running wave in the outer layers. Cooler roAp stars develop a running wave higher in the atmosphere. In stars with pulsation frequency close to the acoustic cut-off one, pulsation waves have a running character starting from deep layers. (Abridged)

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arXiv2007

Ca isotopic anomaly in the atmospheres of Ap stars

We present results of the Ca stratification analysis in the atmospheres of 21 magnetic chemically peculiar (Ap) stars. This analysis was based on the spectral observations carried out with the UVES spectrograph attached to the 8-m VLT telescope. Ca was found to be strongly stratified in all stars with different effective temperatures and magnetic field strengths. This element is overabundant by 1-1.5 dex below logtau_5000~-1 and strongly depleted above logtau_5000=-1.5. Based on the overall Ca abundance distributions, we modelled a profile of the IR-triplet Ca II 8498 line. It shows a significant contribution of the heavy isotopes 46Ca and 48Ca, which represent less than 1% of the solar Ca isotopic mixture. In Ap stars with the relatively small surface magnetic fields (<= 4-5 kG) the light 40Ca isotope is concentrated close to the photosphere, while the heavy isotopes are pushed towards the outer layers. Isotopic separation disappears in the atmospheres of stars with magnetic fields above 6-7 kG. The observed overall Ca stratification and isotopic anomalies may be explained by a combined action of the radiatively-driven diffusion and the light-induced drift.

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arXiv2007

A high-precision search for magnetic field oscillations in the roAp star HD 24712

We have obtained a time series of 81 high-cadence circular polarization observations of the rapidly oscillating Ap star HD 24712 with the new ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter at CFHT. We used the high-S/N, high-resolution Stokes I and V spectra to investigate possible variation of the mean longitudinal field over the pulsation cycle in this roAp star. Our multiline magnetic field and radial velocity measurements utilized 143 spectral lines of rare-earth elements, attaining precision better than 13 G and 19 m/s, respectively. A multiperiodic radial velocity variation with an amplitude of 40-136 m/s is clearly detected at the known pulsation frequencies of HD 24712. At the same time, no evidence for pulsational changes of the magnetic field can be found. We derive a 3sigma upper limit of 10 G, or about 1% of the mean longitudinal field strength, for magnetic field oscillations in the upper atmosphere of HD 24712. The absence of detectable pulsational variability of the magnetic field provides a valuable constraint for the interaction between pulsations and magnetic field in roAp stars and is compatible with the recent predictions of detailed theoretical models of stellar magnetoacoustic oscillations.

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arXiv2007

Observations of pulsations in roAp stars

I review recent results of the observations of magnetoacoustic p-mode oscillations in roAp stars with the focus on time-resolved spectroscopic studies. Time-series spectroscopy of roAp stars reveals unexpected and diverse pulsational behaviour in the spectral lines of different chemical elements. These unique pulsational characteristics arise from an interplay between short vertical length of pulsation waves and extreme chemical stratification in the atmospheres of peculiar stars. This enables a tomographic reconstruction of the depth-dependence of chemical composition and pulsation wave properties. Combination of magnetoacoustic tomography with the Doppler imaging of the horizontal non-radial pulsation pattern opens possibility for an unprecedented three-dimensional mapping of roAp atmospheres.

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arXiv2007

Spectrum synthesis for magnetic, chemically stratified stellar atmospheres

Modern investigations of magnetic chemically peculiar stars reveal a variety of complex processes in their atmospheres. Realistic spectrum synthesis modelling of these objects has to take into account anomalous chemical composition, strong magnetic field and chemical stratification. These effects complicate calculation of theoretical spectra, especially when one has to deal with large number of lines and wide spectral regions. To overcome the formidable problem of comparing model and observed spectra for magnetic chemically peculiar stars, a new suite of spectrum synthesis programs was developed. Here we describe in detail the synthesis codes, Synth3 and Synthmag and present examples of their application to various aspects of the peculiar-star surface phenomena. The new codes proved to be reliable tools for the line identification, magnetic field determination, chemical abundance and stratification analysis.

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arXiv2006

Line profile variations in rapidly oscillating Ap stars: resolution of the enigma

We have carried out the first survey of the pulsational line profile variability in rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars. We analysed high signal-to-noise time-series observations of ten sharp-lined roAp stars obtained with the high-resolution spectrographs attached to the VLT and CFHT telescopes. We investigated in detail the variations of Pr III, Nd II, Nd III and Tb III lines and discovered a prominent change of the profile variability pattern with height in the atmospheres of all studied roAp stars. In every investigated star profile variability of at least one rare-earth ion is characterized by unusual blue-to-red moving features - a behaviour inexplicable in the framework of the standard oblique pulsator model of slowly rotating roAp stars. Using analysis of the line profile moments and spectrum synthesis calculations, we demonstrate that unusual oscillations in spectral lines of roAp stars arise from the pulsational modulation of line widths. This variation occurs approximately in quadrature with the radial velocity changes, and its amplitude rapidly increases with height in stellar atmosphere. We propose that the line width modulation is a consequence of the periodic expansion and compression of turbulent layers in the upper atmospheres of roAp stars. Thus, the line profile changes observed in slowly rotating magnetic pulsators should be interpreted as a superposition of two types of variability: the usual time-dependent velocity field due to an oblique low-order pulsation mode and an additional line width modulation, synchronized with the changes of stellar radius. Our explanation of the line profile variations of roAp stars solves the long-standing observational puzzle and opens new possibilities for constraining geometric and physical properties of the stellar magnetoacoustic pulsations.

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arXiv2006

The Lorentz force in atmospheres of CP stars: $θ$ Aurigae

Several dynamical processes may induce considerable electric currents in the atmospheres of magnetic chemically peculiar (CP) stars. The Lorentz force, which results from the interaction between the magnetic field and the induced currents, modifies the atmospheric structure and induces characteristic rotational variability of the hydrogen Balmer lines. To study this phenomena we have initiated a systematic spectroscopic survey of the Balmer lines variation in magnetic CP stars. In this paper we continue presentation of results of the program focusing on the high-resolution spectral observations of A0p star \aur (HD 40312). We have detected a significant variability of the H$α$, H$β$, and H$γ$ spectral lines during full rotation cycle of the star. This variability is interpreted in the framework of the model atmosphere analysis, which accounts for the Lorentz force effects. Both the inward and outward directed Lorentz forces are considered under the assumption of the axisymmetric dipole or dipole+quadrupole magnetic field configurations. We demonstrate that only the model with the outward directed Lorentz force in the dipole+quadrupole configuration is able to reproduce the observed hydrogen line variation. These results present new strong evidences for the presence of non-zero global electric currents in the atmosphere of an early-type magnetic star.

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arXiv2006

Pulsation in the atmosphere of the roAp star HD 24712. I. Spectroscopic observations and radial velocity measurements

We have investigated the structure of the pulsating atmosphere of one of the best studied rapidly oscillating Ap stars, HD 24712. For this purpose we analyzed spectra collected during 2001-2004. An extensive data set was obtained in 2004 simultaneously with the photometry of the Canadian MOST mini-satellite. This allows us to connect directly atmospheric dynamics observed as radial velocity variations with light variations seen in photometry. We directly derived for the first time and for different chemical elements, respectively ions, phase shifts between photometric and radial velocity pulsation maxima indicating, as we suggest, different line formation depths in the atmosphere. This allowed us to estimate for the first time the propagation velocity of a pulsation wave in the outer stellar atmosphere of a roAp star to be slightly lower than the sound speed. We confirm large pulsation amplitudes (150-400 m/s) for REE lines and the Halpha core, while spectral lines of the other elements (Mg, Si, Ca, and Fe-peak elements) have nearly constant velocities. We did not find different pulsation amplitudes and phases for the lines of rare-earth elements before and after the Balmer jump, which supports the hypothesis of REE concentration in the upper atmosphere above the hydrogen line-forming layers. We also discuss radial velocity amplitudes and phases measured for individual spectral lines as tools for a 3D tomography of the atmosphere of HD 24712.

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arXiv2006

3-D hydrodynamic simulations of convection in A stars

Broadening and asymmetry of spectral lines in slowly rotating late A-type stars provide evidence for high-amplitude convective motions. The properties of turbulence observed in the A-star atmospheres are not understood theoretically and contradict results of previous numerical simulations of convection. Here we describe an ongoing effort to understand the puzzling convection signatures of A stars with the help of 3-D hydrodynamic simulations. Our approach combines realistic spectrum synthesis and non-grey hydrodynamic models computed with the CO5BOLD code. We discuss these theoretical predictions and confront them with high-resolution spectra of A stars. Our models have, for the first time, succeeded in reproducing the observed profiles of weak spectral lines without introducing fudge broadening parameters.

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arXiv2006

Chemical stratification in the atmosphere of Ap star HD 133792. Regularized solution of the vertical inversion problem

High spectral resolution studies of cool Ap stars reveal conspicuous anomalies of the shape and strength of many absorption lines. This is a signature of large atmospheric chemical gradients produced by the selective radiative levitation and gravitational settling of chemical species. Here we present a new approach to mapping the vertical chemical structures in stellar atmospheres. We have developed a regularized chemical inversion procedure that uses all information available in high-resolution stellar spectra. The new technique for the first time allowed us to recover chemical profiles without making a priori assumptions about the shape of chemical distributions. We have derived average abundances and applied the vertical inversion procedure to the high-resolution VLT UVES spectra of the weakly magnetic, cool Ap star HD 133792. Our analysis yielded improved estimates of the atmospheric parameters of HD 133792. We show that this star has negligible vsini and the mean magnetic field modulus =1.1+/-0.1 kG. We have derived average abundances for 43 ions and obtained vertical distributions of Ca, Si, Mg, Fe, Cr, and Sr. All these elements except Mg show high overabundance in the deep layers and solar or sub-solar composition in the upper atmosphere of HD 133792. In contrast, the Mg abundance increases with height. We find that transition from the metal-enhanced to metal-depleted zones typically occurs in a rather narrow range of depths in the atmosphere of HD 133792. Based on the derived photospheric abundances, we conclude that HD 133792 belongs to the rare group of evolved cool Ap stars, which possesses very large Fe-peak enhancement, but lacks a prominent overabundance of the rare-earth elements.

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arXiv2006

Rare-earth elements in the atmosphere of the magnetic chemically peculiar star HD 144897. New classification of the Nd III spectrum

We have obtained a UVES spectrum of a slowly rotating strongly magnetic Ap star, HD 144897, that exhibits very large overabundances of rare-earth elements. Here we present a detailed spectral analysis of this object, also taking into account effects of non-uniform vertical distribution (stratification) of chemical elements. We have determined the photospheric abundances of 40 ions. For seven elements (Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe), we have obtained a stratification model that allow us to produce a satisfactory fit to the observed profiles of spectral lines of various strength. REEs abundances, that for the first time in the literature have been determined from the lines of the first and second ions, have been found typically four dex larger than solar abundances. Our analysis of REE spectral lines provide a strong support to the laboratory line classification and determination of the atomic parameters. The only remarkable exception is Nd III, for which spectral synthesis was found to be inconsistent with the observations. We have therefore performed a revision of the Nd III classification. We have confirmed the energies for 11 out of 24 odd energy levels classified previously, and we have derived the energies for additional 24 levels of Nd III, thereby increasing substantially the number of classified Nd III lines with corrected wavelengths and atomic parameters.

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arXiv2006

Remarkable non-dipolar magnetic field of the Bp star HD 137509

The southern magnetic Bp star HD 137509 exhibits complex rotational modulation of the longitudinal field and other magnetic observables. Interpretation of this magnetic variability in the framework of the low-order multipolar field models suggests a very strong quadrupolar component to dominate the surface field topology of HD 137509. I have examined the high-quality VLT/UVES spectra of HD 137509 and discovered resolved Zeeman split components in some of the spectral lines. The inferred mean surface field modulus, =29 kG, agrees with the multipolar model predictions. This confirms the presence of an extremely strong non-dipolar magnetic field in HD 137509 and establishes this star as the object with the second-largest field among magnetic chemically peculiar stars.

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arXiv2006

Evolutionary state of magnetic chemically peculiar stars

We present a comprehensive statistical investigation of the evolution of magnetic CP stars, aimed at providing constraints to the theories that deal with the origin of the magnetic field in these stars. We have collected from the literature data for 150 magnetic CP stars with accurate Hipparcos parallaxes. We have retrieved from the ESO archive 142 FORS1 observations of circularly polarized spectra for 100 stars. From these spectra we have measured the mean longitudinal magnetic field, and discovered 48 new magnetic CP stars (five of which belonging to the rare class of rapidly oscillating Ap stars). We have determined effective temperature and luminosity, then mass and position in the H-R diagram for a final sample of 194 magnetic CP stars. We found that magnetic stars with M>3Msun are homogeneously distributed along the main sequence. Instead, there are statistical indications that lower mass stars (especially those with M<=2Msun) tend to concentrate in the centre of the main sequence band. We show that this inhomogeneous age distribution cannot be attributed to the effects of random errors and small number statistics. Our data suggest also that the surface magnetic flux of CP stars increases with stellar age and mass, and correlates with the rotation period. For stars with M>3Msun, rotation periods decrease with age in a way consistent with the conservation of the angular momentum, while for less massive magnetic CP stars an angular momentum loss cannot be ruled out. The mechanism that originates and sustains the magnetic field in the upper main sequence stars may be different in CP stars of different mass.

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arXiv2005

HD 178892 - a cool Ap star with extremely strong magnetic field

We report a discovery of the Zeeman resolved spectral lines, corresponding to the extremely large magnetic field modulus =17.5 kG, in the cool Ap star HD 178892. The mean longitudinal field of this star reaches 7.5 kG, and its rotational modulation implies the strength of the dipolar magnetic component Bp>=23 kG. We have revised rotation period of the star using the All Sky Automated Survey photometry and determined P=8.2478 d. Rotation phases of the magnetic and photometric maxima of the star coincide with each other. We obtained Geneva photometric observation of HD 178892 and estimated Teff=7700+/-250 K using photometry and the hydrogen Balmer lines. Preliminary abundance analysis reveals abundance pattern typical of rapidly oscillating Ap stars.

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arXiv2005

Spectroscopy of roAp star pulsation: HD24712

We present results of the radial velocity (RV) analysis of spectroscopic time-series observations of the roAp star HD24712 (HR1217) which were carried out simultaneously with the Canadian MOST mini-satellite photometry. Only lines of the rare-earth elements (REE) show substantial amplitudes of RV pulsations. Based on new Zeeman measurements we found different shapes of the magnetic curves derived by using Fe-peak and REE separately. Frequency analysis of the spectroscopic data showed that the highest amplitude frequencies are the same in photometry and spectroscopy. Photometric and spectroscopic pulsation curves are shifted in phase, and the phase shift depends on the atomic species. The observed distribution of RV pulsation amplitudes and phases with the optical depth as well as the observed phase lag between luminosity and radius variations are explained satisfactorily by the model of nonadiabatic nonradial pulsations of a magnetic star.

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