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For decades, stars have been amongst the most potent sources of constraints on weakly interacting slim particles (WISPs), a category of light, feebly-interacting dark matter candidates, which includes axions, axion-like particles (ALPs) and dark photons. Despite this decorated history, recent improvements in observational and theoretical stellar astrophysics offer new opportunities for advancing these limits. This thesis contributes three examples of such advancements. The first of these constraints concerns the coupling between photons and axion-like particles with masses greater than 10 keV and is based on the white dwarf initial-final mass relation (IFMR). The IFMR is a semi-empirical relation which maps the initial masses with which low- and intermediate-mass stars form to those of the white dwarfs into which they ultimately evolve. The relevant evolutionary phase influencing the IFMR is the shell helium-burning phase, the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). Because the helium-burning shell which governs AGB evolution is hotter than the characteristic stellar regions for other limits on ALPs, the IFMR is well-positioned to constrain ALPs with masses greater than 10 keV, whose production would otherwise be Boltzmann suppressed. Our derived limit ruled out part of an unconstrained triangular region of ALP-photon parameter space bordered by stellar limits, the SLAC E137 beam dump experiment and SN1987A, known as the cosmological triangle. Next we target globular cluster limits on the axion-photon coupling for axion masses less than 10 keV. Until now, the most restrictive stellar constraint on this coupling was based on the observed ratio of horizontal branch (HB) to red-giant branch (RGB) stars in globular clusters (the R-parameter). However, simulations of horizontal branch stars suffer from well-documented uncertainties arising from the computational treatment of mixing across their convective core boundaries. These uncertainties manifest as both stochastic and system

The search for extra-terrestrial life is guided by the classification of promising candidate worlds. In this classification the habitable zone acts as a measure for the perceived habitability of a circumstellar body. Habitable zone definitions vary between using a conservative and an optimistic limit. As the Sun progresses through stages of stellar evolution previously uninhabitable outer moons may receive sufficient heating for the existence of liquid water on their surface. To evaluate the possibility for life on these moons the time inside the habitable zone is calculated and compared to estimates for the time for life to develop on Earth. For these calculations the stellar evolution models of PARSEC and Dartmouth are employed. A class of moons is discovered whose time inside the habitable zone is longest during the horizontal branch evolutionary phase (fueled by helium burning in the core). Since the horizontal branch luminosity is near constant, this class is of particular interest due to being less dependent on a stabilizing climate mechanism to regulate atmospheric composition needed to counteract luminosity changes. Ultimately, it is found that regardless of moon, stellar evolution model, and habitable zone definition no post-main sequence time inside the habitable zone is as long as the time for life to arise on Earth., Research presentation

We study the evolution of europium (Eu) and barium (Ba) abundances in Local Group dwarf spheroidal and ultrafaint dwarf galaxies by means of detailed chemical evolution models and compare our results with new sets of homogeneous abundances. The adopted models include gas infall and outflow and have been previously tested. We investigate several production scenarios for r-process elements: merging neutron stars and magnetorotational-driven supernovae. Production of Ba through the main s-process acting in low- and intermediate-mass stars is considered as well. We also test different sets of nucleosynthesis yields. For merging neutron stars we adopt either a constant and short delay time for merging or a delay time distribution function. Our simulations show that (i) if r-process elements are produced only by a quick source, it is possible to reproduce the [Eu/Fe] versus [Fe/H], but those models fail in reproducing the [Ba/Fe] versus [Fe/H]. (ii) If r-process elements are produced only with longer delays the opposite happens. (iii) If both a quick source and a delayed one are adopted, such as magnetorotational-driven supernovae and merging neutron stars with a delay time distribution, the [Eu/Fe] abundance pattern is successfully reproduced, but models still fail in reproducing the [Ba/Fe]. (iv) On the other hand, the characteristic abundances of Reticulum II can be reproduced only if both the Eu and the r-process fraction of Ba are produced on short and constant time delays during a single merging event. We discuss also other possible interpretations, including an inhomogeneous mixing of gas that might characterize this galaxy.

Context. Theoretical studies predict that the length scale of convection in stellar atmospheres isproportional to the pressure scale height, which implies that giant and supergiant stars should have convection granules of sizes comparable to their radii. Numerical simulations and the observation of anisotropies on stellar discs agree well with this prediction. Aims. To measure the characteristic sizes of convection structures of models simulated with the CO5BOLD code, to look at how they vary between models and to study their limitations due to numerical resolution. Methods. Fourier analyses are performed to frames from the models to achieve spatial spectral power distributions which are averaged over time. The position of the main peak and the averagevalue of the wavevector are taken as indicators of these sizes. The general shape of the intensity map of the disc in the frame is fitted and subtracted so that it does not contaminate the Fourier analysis. Results. A general relationship of the convection granule size being more or less ten times larger than the pressure length scale is found. The expected wavevector value of the time-averaged spectral power distributions is higher than the position of the main peak. Loose increasing trends with the characteristic sizes by the pressure scale height increasing against stellar mass, radius, luminosity,temperature and gravity are found, while a decreasing trends are found with the radius and modelresolution. Bad resolution subtracts signals on the slope at the side of the main peak towards larger wavevector values and in extreme cases it creates spurious signal towards the end of the spectrum due to artifacts appearing on the frames. Conclusions. The wavevector position of the absolute maximum in the time-averaged spectral power distribution is the best measure of the most prominent sizes in the stellar surfaces. The proportionality constant between granule size and pressure length scale is of the same order ofmagnitude, The report consists in two parts:1.- The main project, where we apply our pipeline and get scientific results.2.- The appendix, where a technical description of the pipeline is given.

Interstellar carbonaceous dust is mainly formed in the innermost regions of circumstellar envelopes around carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars (AGBs). In these highly chemically stratified regions, atomic and diatomic carbon, along with acetylene, are the most abundant species after H and CO. In a previous study, we addressed the chemistry of carbon (C and C) with H showing that acetylene and aliphatic species form efficiently in the dust formation region of carbon-rich AGBs whereas aromatics do not. Still, acetylene is known to be a key ingredient in the formation of linear polyacetylenic chains, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as shown by previous experiments. However, these experiments have not considered the chemistry of carbon (C and C) with CH. In this work, by employing a sufficient amount of acetylene, we investigate its gas-phase interaction with atomic and diatomic carbon. We show that the chemistry involved produces linear polyacetylenic chains, benzene, and other PAHs, which are observed with high abundances in the early evolutionary phase of planetary nebulae. More importantly, we have found a nonnegligible amount of pure and hydrogenated carbon clusters as well as aromatics with aliphatic substitutions, both being a direct consequence of the addition of atomic carbon. The incorporation of alkyl substituents into aromatics can be rationalized by a mechanism involving hydrogen abstraction followed by methyl addition. All the species detected in the gas phase are incorporated into nanometric-sized dust analogs, which consist of a complex mixture of sp, sp, and sp hydrocarbons with amorphous morphology.

In this study we present a data set of synthetic photometry of M-type AGB stars for JWST, WISE and a filter set that will be referred to as the generic lter set, consisting of: UX BX B V R I J J2m H H2m Ks2m K L L' M M'. 106 dierent models compromised of 4741 spectra have been processed for the three filter sets. We have also fitted the models to eight observations of M-type AGB stars made by WISE, showing that the models fairly well can recreate observations but that there is definitely still room for improvements. The resulting photometric files can be accessed at http://www.astro.uu.se/AGBmodels/ABmags

Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are simultaneously one of the most important and least well understood phases of stellar evolution. Luminous, red, AGB stars are excellent tracers of kinematical and morphological structure, and track the presence of intermediate age populations. In addition, they contribute significantly to the near-infrared (NIR) flux and gas/dust budgets of galaxies. As a result, they are essential for studying galaxies in both the local and distance universe. However, their observable properties depend on complicated physical processes, including dredge-up, dust production, and stellar pulsations. As a result, they are extraordinarily difficult to model on both the individual and population-level scales. Homogenous samples of AGB stars are necessary to calibrate the ever improving models. In this thesis I use data from the Spectroscopic and Photometric Landscape of Andromeda’s Stellar Halo (SPLASH) survey to identify and characterize clean, homogenous samples of carbon- and oxygen-rich AGB stars (carbon stars and M-stars, respectively) in the disk, satellites and halo of the Andromeda galaxy (M31). Using these stars, I constrain the ratio (C/M) of carbon- to oxygen-rich in fields throughout the M31 system, compare the AGB stars to their observationally similar contaminants (extrinsic carbon stars and oxygen-rich red giant branch stars), and discuss major physical properties (color, temperature, metallicity, dust production, and variability).

In this study we present photometric predictions for C-type Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars (AGB) stars from Eriksson et al. (2014) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) instruments. The photometric predictions we have done are for JWST’s general purpose wide-band filters on NIRCam and MIRI covering wavelengths of 0.7 — 21 microns. AGB stars contribute substantially to the integrated light of intermediate-age stellar popula- tions and is a substantial source of the metals (especially carbon) in galaxies. Studies of AGB stars are (among other reasons) important for the understanding of the chemical evolution and dust cycle of galaxies. Since the JWST is scheduled for launch in 2018 it should be a high priority to prepare observing strategies. With these predictions we hope it will be possible to optimize observing strategies of AGB stars and maximize the science return of JWST. By testing our method on Whitelock et al. (2006) objects from the WISE catalog and comparing them with our photometric results based on Eriksson et al. (2014) we have been able to fit 20 objects with models. The photometric data set can be accessed at: http://www.astro.uu.se/AGBmodels, I den här studien har jag gjort fotometriska förutsägelser för asymptotis- ka jättegrensstjärnor (AGB-stjärnor) av C typ från Eriksson et al. (2014) modifierade för instrument ombord på James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) och Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). AGB-stjärnor bidrar kraftigt till det totala ljuset av stjärnor av intermediär ålder och är också en stor källa till metaller (speciellt kol) i galaxer. Studier av AGB stjärnor är viktiga av flera anledningar, däribland för att förstå den kemiska evolutionen och stoftcykler i galaxer. JWST är planerad att skjutas upp 2018 och fram till dess bör det vara en hög prioritet att förbereda observeringsstrategier. Med den fotometriska datan i den här studien hoppas vi att användare av JWST kommer kunna optimera sina observeringsstrategier av AGB-stjärnor och få ut så mycket som möjligt av sin obseravtionstid med teleskopet. Vi har testat metoden genom att titta på objekt från Whitelock et al. (2006) i WISE-katalogen och jämföra dem med de fotometriska resultaten baserade på modellerna från Eriksson et al. (2014). På detta sett har vi lyckats matcha 20 objekt med modeller. Den fotometriska datan går att ladda ner ifrån: http://www.astro.uu.se/AGBmodels

The transitional phase between the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and post-AGB phases holds the key to our understanding of the late-stage metamorphosis of intermediate-mass stars. In particular, high velocity jets forming during this phase are suggested to contribute significantly to the shaping of planetary nebulae. For oxygen-rich stars, the rare "water fountains (WFs)" have been regarded as representative objects in this phase, and it is important to identify more of them for further studies. Here we briefly report the results of our latest OH and H2O maser surveys in which a new WF candidate (IRAS 19356+0754) was found. We also performed radiative transfer modelling on the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of all known WFs. It is concluded that WFs might in fact not be the transitional objects, as opposed to previous belief. WFs could be AGB or post-AGB stars with no obvious similarities amongst their SEDs. Further efforts are still needed to improve the identification criteria.

The observations by the Short-Wavelength Spectrometer (SWS) onboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) gave great impetus to the studies of AGB (Asymptotic Giant Branch) stars. The ISO/SWS has provided high quality, intermediate-resolution spectra covering a broad wavelength range of 2.4-45 micrometers. These data enable, for the first time, to perform an extensive study of the outer atmosphere and inner circumstellar regions of AGB stars. Exploration of the undeveloped wavelength regions in the mid-to far-infrared has led to an enormous treasure of dust features. In this review, the results of the ISO/SWS observations of O-rich objects are particularly focused. Then, the possible follow-up in future missions is discussed., 赤外線宇宙天文台(ISO)に搭載された短波長分光計(SWS)による観測は、AGB(漸近巨星分枝)星の研究にとって大きな推進力となる。ISO/SWSは2.4〜45マイクロメートルの幅広い波長範囲を覆う高品質で中程度の分解能スペクトルを提供してきた。これらのデータによりAGB星の外側大気および内側星周領域の多くの研究を初めて可能にした。中間から遠赤外線にわたる未開拓の波長範囲の探査は塵の特性に関する膨大な知識の宝庫へと導いた。このレビューでは酸素に富む天体に関するISO/SWSの観測結果に特に焦点を当てた。また将来のミッションにおける可能な継続的探求について論じた。

We explore the final fates of massive intermediate-mass stars by computing detailed stellar models from the zero-age main sequence until near the end of the thermally pulsing phase. These super-asymptotic giant branch (super-AGB) and massive AGB star models are in the mass range between 5.0 and 10.0 M circle dot for metallicities spanning the range Z = 0.02-0.0001. We probe the mass limits M-up, M-n and M-mass, the minimum masses for the onset of carbon burning, the formation of a neutron star and the iron core-collapse supernovae, respectively, to constrain the white dwarf/electron-capture supernova (EC-SN) boundary. We provide a theoretical initial-to-final mass relation for the massive and ultra-massive white dwarfs and specify the mass range for the occurrence of hybrid CO(Ne) white dwarfs. We predict EC-SN rates for lower metallicities which are significantly lower than existing values from parametric studies in the literature. We conclude that the EC-SN channel (for single stars and with the critical assumption being the choice of mass-loss rate) is very narrow in initial mass, at most approximate to 0.2 M circle dot. This implies that between 2 and 5 per cent of all gravitational collapse supernova are EC-SNe in the metallicity range Z = 0.02-0.0001. With our choice for mass-loss prescription and computed core growth rates, we find, within our metallicity range, that CO cores cannot grow sufficiently massive to undergo a Type 1.5 SN explosion., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

The 22Ne(α, n)25Mg reaction is an important source of neutrons for the s-process. In massive stars responsible for the weak component of the s-process, 22Ne(α, n)25Mg is the dominant source of neutrons, both during core helium burning and in carbon-shell burning. For the main s-process component produced in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, the 13C(α, n)16O reaction is the dominant source of neutrons operating during the interpulse period, with the 22Ne + α source affecting mainly the s-process branchings during a thermal pulse. Rate uncertainties in the competing 22Ne(α, n)25Mg and 22Ne(α, γ)26Mg reactions result in large variations of s-process nucleosynthesis. Here, we present up-to-date and statistically rigorous 22Ne + α reaction rates using recent experimental results and Monte Carlo sampling. Our new rates are used in postprocessing nucleosynthesis calculations both for massive stars and AGB stars. We demonstrate that the nucleosynthesis uncertainties arising from the new rates are dramatically reduced in comparison to previously published results, but several ambiguities in the present data must still be addressed. Recommendations for further study to resolve these issues are provided., Postprint (published version)

Many hydrogen-deficient stars are characterized by surface abundance patterns that are hard to reconcile with conventional stellar evolution. Instead, it has been suggested that they may represent the result of a merger episode between a helium and a carbon–oxygen white dwarf. In this Letter, we present a nucleosynthesis study of the merger of a 0.4M helium white dwarf with a 0.8M carbon–oxygen white dwarf, by coupling the thermodynamic history of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics particles with a post-processing code. The resulting chemical abundance pattern, particularly for oxygen and fluorine, is in qualitative agreement with the observed abundances in R Coronae Borealis stars., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

Context. Abundance analysis of post-AGB objects as probes of AGB nucleosynthesis. Aims. A detailed photospheric abundance study is performed on the carbon-rich post-AGB candidate MACHO 47.2496.8 in the LMC. Methods. High-resolution, high signal-to-noise ESO VLT-UVES spectra of MACHO 47.2496.8 are analysed by performing detailed spectrum synthesis modelling using state-of-the-art carbon-rich MARCS atmosphere models. Results. The spectrum of MACHO 47.2496.8 is not only dominated by bands of carbon bearing molecules, but also by lines ofatomic transitions of s-process elements. The metallicity of [Fe/H] = -1.4 is surprisingly low for a field LMC star. The C/O ratio, however difficult to quantify, is greater than 2, and the s-process enrichment is large: the light s-process elements are enhanced by 1.2dex compared to iron ([Is/Fe] = +1.2), while for the heavy s-process elements an even stronger enrichment is measured: [hs/Fe] = +2.1. The lead abundance is comparable to the [hs/Fe]. With its low intrinsic metallicity and its luminosity at the low end of the carbon star luminosity function, the star represents likely the final stage of a low initial mass star. Conclusions. The LMC RVTauri star MACHO 47.2496.8 is highly carbon and s-process enriched, and is most probable a genuine post-C(N-type) AGB star. This is the first detailed abundance analysis of an extragalactic post-AGB star to date.

We have observed a sample of 36 objects in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) with the Infrared Spectrometer on the Spitzer Space Telescope. Of these sources, 19 are carbon stars. An examination of the near- and mid-infrared photometry shows that the carbon-rich and oxygen-rich dust sources follow two easily separated sequences. A comparison of the spectra of the 19 carbon stars in the SMC to spectra from the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) of carbon stars in the Galaxy reveals significant differences. The absorption bands at 715 and 13.7 microns due to C2H2 are stronger in the SMC sample, and the SiC dust emission feature at 11.3 microns is weaker. Our measurements of the MgS dust emission feature at 26-30 microns are less conclusive, but this feature appears to be weaker in the SMC sample as well. All these results are consistent with the lower metallicity in the SMC. The lower abundance of SiC grains in the SMC may result in less efficient carbon-rich dust production, which could explain the excess C2H2 gas seen in the spectra. The sources in the SMC with the strongest SiC dust emission tend to have redder infrared colors than the other sources in the sample, which implies more amorphous carbon, and they also tend to show more MgS dust emission. The weakest SiC emission features tend to be shifted to the blue; these spectra may arise from low-density shells with large SiC grains., Published in The Astrophysical Journal, v645 p1118-1130, 10 Jul 2006.