The detection of heavy metals in the circumstellar envelopes of post-AGB stars

Abstract

A new kind of peculiarity is discussed: splitting or asymmetry of strong absorption lines in the optical spectra of selected post-AGB stars with carbon envelopes and atmospheres enriched in carbon and s-process heavy metals. This effect is strongest for BaII ions, whose lines can be split into two or three components. Infrared and radio spectroscopy data are used to demonstrate that the individual components of split absorption lines are formed in structured circumstellar envelopes. Thus, this effect reveals efficient enrichment of the envelope in heavy metals synthesized during the star’s earlier evolution. The nature of the strong absorption profile (split or asymmetric, number of components) could be related to the morphology and kinematical and chemical properties of the enenvelope.