E. Caffau

Solar Chemical Abundances Determined with a CO5BOLD 3D Model Atmosphere

In the last decade, the photospheric solar metallicity as determined from spectroscopy experienced a remarkable downward revision. Part of this effect can be attributed to an improvement of atomic data and the inclusion of NLTE computations, but also the use of hydrodynamical model atmospheres seemed to play a role. This “decrease” with time of the metallicity of the solar photosphere increased the disagreement with the results from helioseismology. With a CO5BOLD 3D model of the solar atmosphere, the CIFIST team at the Paris Observatory re-determined the photospheric solar abundances of several elements, among them C, N, and O. The spectroscopic abundances are obtained by fitting the equivalent width and/or the profile of observed spectral lines with synthetic spectra computed from the 3D model atmosphere. We conclude that the effects of granular fluctuations depend on the characteristics of the individual lines, but are found to be relevant only in a few particular cases. 3D effects are not responsible for the systematic lowering of the solar abundances in recent years. The solar metallicity resulting from this analysis is Z=0.0153, Z/X=0.0209.

The metal-poor end of the Spite plateau I. Stellar parameters, metallicities, and lithium abundances ,,

Context. The primordial nature of the Spite plateau is at odds with the WMAP satellite measurements, implying a primordial Li production at least three times higher than observed. It has also been suggested that A(Li) might exhibit a positive correlation with metallicity below [Fe/H] ~ -2.5. Previous samples studied comprised few stars below [Fe/H] = -3. Aims. We present VLT-UVES Li abundances of 28 halo dwarf stars between [Fe/H] = -2.5 and -3.5, ten of which have [Fe/H] < -3. Methods. We determined stellar parameters and abundances using four different T eff scales. The direct infrared flux method was applied to infrared photometry. Hα wings were fitted with two synthetic grids computed by means of 1D LTE atmosphere models, assuming two different self-broadening theories. A grid of Hα profiles was finally computed by means of 3D hydrodynamical atmosphere models. The Li I doublet at 670.8 nm has been used to measure A(Li) by means of 3D hydrodynamical NLTE spectral syntheses. An analytical fit of A(Li) 3D,NLTE as a function of equivalent width, T eff , log g, and [Fe/H] has been derived and is made available. Results. We confirm previous claims that A(Li) does not exhibit a plateau below [Fe/H] = -3. We detect a strong positive correlation with [Fe/H] that is insensitive to the choice of T eff estimator. From a linear fit, we infer a steep slope of about 0.30 dex in A(Li) per dex in [Fe/H], which has a significance of 2-3σ. The slopes derived using the four T eff estimators are consistent to within 1σ. A significant slope is also detected in the A(Li)-T eff plane, driven mainly by the coolest stars in the sample (T eff < 6250), which appear to be Li-poor. However, when we remove these stars the slope detected in the A(Li)-[Fe/H] plane is not altered significantly. When the full sample is considered, the scatter in A(Li) increases by a factor of 2 towards lower metallicities, while the plateau appears very thin above [Fe/H] = -2.8. At this metallicity, the plateau lies at 〈A(Li) 3D,NLTE 〉 = 2.199 ± 0.086. Conclusions. The meltdown of the Spite plateau below [Fe/H] ~ -3 is established, but its cause is unclear. If the primordial A(Li) were that derived from standard BBN, it appears difficult to envision a single depletion phenomenon producing a thin, metallicity independent plateau above [Fe/H] = -2.8, and a highly scattered, metallicity dependent distribution below. That no star below [Fe/H] = -3 lies above the plateau suggests that they formed at plateau level and experienced subsequent depletion.

The photospheric solar oxygen project: I. Abundance analysis of atomic lines and influence of atmospheric models

Context: The solar oxygen abundance has undergone a major downward revision in the past decade, the most noticeable one being the update including 3D hydrodynamical simulations to model the solar photosphere. Up to now, such an analysis has only been carried out by one group using one radiation-hydrodynamics code. Aims: We investigate the photospheric oxygen abundance considering lines from atomic transitions. We also consider the relationship between the solar model used and the resulting solar oxygen abundance, to understand whether the downward abundance revision is specifically related to 3D hydrodynamical effects. Methods: We performed a new determination of the solar photospheric oxygen abundance by analysing different high-resolution high signal-to-noise ratio atlases of the solar flux and disc-centre intensity, making use of the latest generation of CO5BOLD 3D solar model atmospheres. Results: We find 8.73 ? log (N_O/N_H) +12 ? 8.79. The lower and upper values represent extreme assumptions on the role of collisional excitation and ionisation by neutral hydrogen for the NLTE level populations of neutral oxygen. The error of our analysis is ± (0.04± 0.03) dex, the last being related to NLTE corrections, the first error to any other effect. The 3D ?granulation effects? do not play a decisive role in lowering the oxygen abundance. Conclusions: Our recommended value is log (N_O/N_H) = 8.76 ± 0.07, considering our present ignorance of the role of collisions with hydrogen atoms on the NLTE level populations of oxygen. The reasons for lower O abundances in the past are identified as (1) the lower equivalent widths adopted and (2) the choice of neglecting collisions with hydrogen atoms in the statistical equilibrium calculations for oxygen. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Hartmut Holweger.

First stars XII. Abundances in extremely metal-poor turnoff stars, and comparison with the giants

Context. The detailed chemical abundances of extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars are key guides to understanding the early chemical evolution of the Galaxy. Most existing data, however, treat giant stars that may have experienced internal mixing later. Aims. We aim to compare the results for giants with new, accurate abundances for all observable elements in 18 EMP turno. stars. Methods. VLT/UVES spectra at R similar to 45 000 and S/N similar to 130 per pixel (lambda lambda 330-1000 nm) are analysed with OSMARCS model atmospheres and the TURBOSPECTRUM code to derive abundances for C, Mg, Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Sr, and Ba. Results. For Ca, Ni, Sr, and Ba, we find excellent consistency with our earlier sample of EMP giants, at all metallicities. However, our abundances of C, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn and Co are similar to 0.2 dex larger than in giants of similar metallicity. Mg and Si abundances are similar to 0.2 dex lower (the giant [Mg/Fe] values are slightly revised), while Zn is again similar to 0.4 dex higher than in giants of similar [Fe/H] (6 stars only). Conclusions. For C, the dwarf/giant discrepancy could possibly have an astrophysical cause, but for the other elements it must arise from shortcomings in the analysis. Approximate computations of granulation (3D) effects yield smaller corrections for giants than for dwarfs, but suggest that this is an unlikely explanation, except perhaps for C, Cr, and Mn. NLTE computations for Na and Al provide consistent abundances between dwarfs and giants, unlike the LTE results, and would be highly desirable for the other discrepant elements as well. Meanwhile, we recommend using the giant abundances as reference data for Galactic chemical evolution models.

Theoretical amplitudes and lifetimes of non-radial solar-like oscillations in red giants

Context. Solar-like oscillations have been observed in numerous red giants from ground and from space. An important question arises: could we expect to detect non-radial modes probing the internal structure of these stars? Aims. We investigate under what physical circumstances non-radial modes could be observable in red giants; what would be their amplitudes, lifetimes and heights in the power spectrum (PS)? Methods. Using a non-radial non-adiabatic pulsation code including a non-local time-dependent treatment of convection, we compute the theoretical lifetimes of radial and non-radial modes in several red giant models. Next, using a stochastic excitation model, we compute the amplitudes of these modes and their heights in the PS. Results. Distinct cases appear. Case A corresponds to subgiants and stars at the bottom of the ascending giant branch. Our results show that the lifetimes of the modes are mainly proportional to the inertia I, which is modulated by the mode trapping. The predicted amplitudes are lower for non-radial modes. But the height of the peaks in the PS are of the same order for radial and non-radial modes as long as they can be resolved. The resulting frequency spectrum is complex. Case B corresponds to intermediate models in the red giant branch. In these models, the radiative damping becomes high enough to destroy the non-radial modes trapped in the core. Hence, only modes trapped in the envelope have significant heights in the PS and could be observed. The resulting frequency spectrum of detectable modes is regular for � = 0 and 2, but a little more complex for � = 1 modes because of less efficient trapping. Case C corresponds to models of even higher luminosity. In these models the radiative damping of non-radial modes is even larger than in the previous case and only radial and non-radial modes completely trapped in the envelope could be observed. The frequency pattern is very regular for these stars. The comparison between the predictions for radial and non-radial modes is very different if we consider the heights in the PS instead of the amplitudes. This is important as the heights (not the amplitudes) are used as detection criterion.

A primordial star in the heart of the Lion

Context: The discovery and chemical analysis of extremely metal-poor stars permit a better understanding of the star formation of the first generation of stars and of the Universe emerging from the Big Bang. aims: We report the study of a primordial star situated in the centre of the constellation Leo (SDSS J102915+172027). method: The star, selected from the low resolution-spectrum of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, was observed at intermediate (with X-Shooter at VLT) and at high spectral resolution (with UVES at VLT). The stellar parameters were derived from the photometry. The standard spectroscopic analysis based on 1D ATLAS models was completed by applying 3D and non-LTE corrections. results: An iron abundance of [Fe/H]=--4.89 makes SDSS J102915+172927 one of the lowest [Fe/H] stars known. However, the absence of measurable C and N enhancements indicates that it has the lowest metallicity, Z<= 7.40x10^{-7} (metal-mass fraction), ever detected. No oxygen measurement was possible. conclusions: The discovery of SDSS J102915+172927 highlights that low-mass star formation occurred at metallicities lower than previously assumed. Even lower metallicity stars may yet be discovered, with a chemical composition closer to the composition of the primordial gas and of the first supernovae.

Line shift, line asymmetry, and the 6Li/7Li isotopic ratio determination

Context. Line asymmetries are generated by convective Doppler shifts in stellar atmospheres, especially in metal-poor stars, where convective motions penetrate to higher atmospheric levels. Such asymmetries are usually neglected in abundance analyses. The determination of the 6 Li/ 7 Li isotopic ratio is prone to su ering from such asymmetries, as the contribution of 6 Li is a slight blending reinforcement of the red wing of each component of the corresponding 7 Li line, with respect to its blue wing. Aims. The present paper studies the halo star HD 74000 and estimates the impact of convection-related asymmetries on the Li isotopic ratio determination. Methods. Two methods are used to meet this aim. The first, which is purely empirical, consists in deriving a template profile from another element that can be assumed to originate in the same stellar atmospheric layers as Li i, producing absorption lines of approximately the same equivalent width as individual components of the 7 Li i resonance line. The second method consists in conducting the abundance analysis based on NLTE line formation in a 3D hydrodynamical model atmosphere, taking into account the e ects of photospheric convection. Results. The results of the first method show that the convective asymmetry generates an excess absorption in the red wing of the 7 Li absorption feature that mimics the presence of 6 Li at a level comparable to the hitherto published values. This opens the possibility that only an upper limit on 6 Li/ 7 Li has thus far been derived. The second method confirms these findings. Conclusions. From this work, it appears that a systematic reappraisal of former determinations of 6 Li abundances in halo stars is

The solar photospheric nitrogen abundance - Analysis of atomic transitions with 3D and 1D model atmospheres

Context. In recent years, the solar chemical abundances have been studied in considerable detail because of discrepant values of solar metallicity inferred from different indicators, i.e., on the one hand, the “sub-solar” photospheric abundances resulting from spectroscopic chemical composition analyses with the aid of 3D hydrodynamical models of the solar atmosphere, and, on the other hand, the high metallicity inferred by helioseismology. Aims. After investigating the solar oxygen abundance using a CO 5 BOLD 3D hydrodynamical solar model in previous work, we undertake a similar approach studying the solar abundance of nitrogen, since this element accounts for a significant fraction of the overall solar metallicity, Z. Methods. We used a selection of atomic spectral lines to determine the solar nitrogen abundance, relying mainly on equivalent width measurements in the literature. We investigate the influence on the abundance analysis, of both deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium (“NLTE effects”) and photospheric inhomogeneities (“granulation effects”). Results. We recommend use of a solar nitrogen abundance of A(N) = 7.86 ± 0.12 � , whose error bar reflects the line-to-line scatter. Conclusions. The solar metallicity implied by the CO 5 BOLD-based nitrogen and oxygen abundances is in the range 0.0145 ≤ Z ≤ 0.0167. This result is a step towards reconciling photospheric abundances with helioseismic constraints on Z. Our most suitable estimates are Z = 0.0156 and Z/X = 0.0213.

Three carbon-enhanced metal-poor dwarf stars from the SDSS - Chemical abundances from CO5BOLD 3D hydrodynamical model atmospheres

Context. The origin of carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars enriched with both s and r elements is highly debated. Detailed abundances of these types of stars are crucial to understand the nature o f their progenitors. Aims. The aim of this investigation is to study in detail the abunda nces of SDSS J1349-0229, SDSS J0912+0216 and SDSS J1036+1212, three dwarf CEMP stars, selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Methods. Using high resolution VLT/UVES spectra (R�30 000) we determine abundances for Li, C, N, O, Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and 21 neutron-capture elements. We made use of CO 5 BOLD 3D hydrodynamical model atmospheres in the analysis of the carbon, nitrogen and oxygen abundances. NLTE corrections for Ci and Oi lines were computed using the Kiel code. Results. We classify SDSS J1349-0229 and SDSS J0912+0216 as CEMP-r+s stars. SDSS J1036+1212 belongs to the class CEMPno/s, with enhanced Ba, but deficient Sr, of which it is the third m ember discovered to date. Radial-velocity variations have been observed in SDSS J1349-0229, providing evidence that it is a member of a binary system. Conclusions. The chemical composition of the three stars is generally compatible with mass transfer from an AGB companion. However, many details remain diffi cult to explain. Most notably of those are the abundance of Li at the level of the Spite plateau in SDSS J1036+1212 and the large over-abundance of the pure r-process element Eu in all three stars.

The forbidden 1082 nm line of sulphur : the photospheric abundance of sulphur in the Sun and 3D effects

Context. Sulphur is an element which is formed in the α-process and is easily measured in the gaseous phase in external galaxies. Since it does not form dust, it is the preferred indicator for α-elements, rather than Si or Mg, for which dust corrections are necessary. The measurement of the sulphur abundance in stars is not an easy task, relying mainly on high excitation lines with non-negligible deviations from LTE. The 1082 nm sulphur forbidden transition is less sensitive to departures from LTE and is less dependent on temperature uncertainties than other sulphur lines usually employed as abundance indicators. Therefore it should provide a more robust abundance diagnostics. Aims. To derive the solar photospheric abundance of sulphur from the 1082 nm [SI] line and to investigate 3D effects present in G-and F-type atmospheres at solar and lower metallicity. Methods. High-resolution, high signal-to-noise solar intensity and flux spectra were used to measure the sulphur abundance from the [SI] 1082 nm line. CO 5 BOLD hydrodynamical model atmospheres were applied to predict 3D abundance corrections for the [SI] line. Results. The solar sulphur abundance is derived to be 7.15 ±(0.01 ) stat ± (0.05)sys, where the statistical uncertainty represents the scatter in the determination using four different solar spectra and the systematic uncertainty is due to the modelling of the blending lines. Sulphur abundances obtained from this line are insensitive to the micro-turbulence. 3D abundance corrections, found from strictly differential comparisons between ID and 3D models, are negligible in the Sun, but become sizable for more metal-poor dwarfs.