Abstract.We have calculated synthetic opacity sampling spectra for carbon-rich Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars based on dynamic model atmospheres which couple time-dependent dynamics and frequency-dependent radiative transfer, as presented in the third paper of this series. We include the molecules CO, CH, CN, C 2 , CS, HCN, C 2 H 2 and C 3 in our calculations, both when computing the atmospheric structures, and the synthetic spectra. A comparison of the synthetic spectra with various observed colours and spectra in the wavelength range between 0.5 and 25 µm of TX Psc, WZ Cas, V460 Cyg, T Lyr and S Cep is presented. We obtain good agreement between observations gathered at different phases and synthetic spectra of one single hydrodynamical model for each star in the wavelength region between 0.5 and 5 µm. At longer wavelengths our models showing mass loss offer a first self-consistent qualitative explanation of why a strong feature around 14 µm, which is predicted by all hydrostatic models as well as dynamical models showing no mass loss, is missing in observed AGB carbon star spectra.
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Context. We study the circumstellar environment of the carbon-rich star R Sculptoris using the near-and mid-infrared high spatial resolution observations from the ESO-VLTI focal instruments VINCI and MIDI, respectively. Aims. These observations aim at increasing our knowledge of the dynamic processes in play within the very close circumstellar environment where the mass loss of AGB stars is initiated. Methods. We first compare the spectro-interferometric measurements of the star at different epochs to detect the dynamic signatures of the circumstellar structures at different spatial and spectral scales. We then interpret these data using a self-consistent dynamic model atmosphere to discuss the dynamic picture deduced from the observations. Since the hydrodynamic computation needs stellar parameters as input, a considerable effort is first applied to determining these parameters. Results. Interferometric observations do not show any significant variability effect at the 16 m baseline between phases 0.17 and 0.23 in the K band, and for both the 15 m baseline between phases 0.66 and 0.97 and the 31 m baseline between phases 0.90 and 0.97 in the N band. We find fairly good agreement between the dynamic model and the spectrophotometric data from 0.4 to 25 μm. The model agrees well with the time-dependent flux data at 8.5 μm, whereas it is too faint at 11.3 and 12.5 μm. The VINCI visibility measurements are reproduced well, meaning that the extension of the model is suitable in the K-band. In the mid-infrared, the model has the proper extension to reveal molecular structures of C 2 H 2 and HCN located above the stellar photosphere. However, the windless model used is not able to reproduce the more extended and dense dusty environment. Conclusions. Among the different explanations for the discrepancy between the model and the measurements, the strong nonequilibrium process of dust formation is one of the most probable. The transition from windless atmospheres to models with considerable mass-loss rates occurs in a very narrow range of stellar parameters, especially for the effective temperature, the C/O ratio, and the pulsation amplitude. A denser sampling of such critical regions of the parameter space with additional models might lead to a better representation of the extended structures of low mass-loss carbon stars like R Sculptoris. The complete dynamic coupling of gas and dust and the approximation of grain opacities with the small-particle limit in the dynamic calculation could also contribute to the difference between the model and the data.
Context. Technetium (Tc) is an unstable element synthesised via the s-process in deep layers of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, making it a reliable indicator of both recent s-process activity and third dredge-up. Aims. We searched for Tc in a sample of bright oxygen-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars located in the outer galactic bulge. We test theoretical predictions of the luminosity limit for the onset of third dredge-up. Methods. Using high-resolution optical spectra obtained with the UVES spectrograph at ESO's VLT, we searched for resonance lines of neutral Tc in the blue spectral region of our sample stars. These measurements allow us to improve the procedure of classification of stars with respect to their Tc content by using flux ratios. Synthetic spectra based on MARCS atmospheric models are presented and compared to the observed spectra around three lines of Tc. Bolometric magnitudes are calculated based on the near-infrared photometry of the objects. Results. Among the sample of 27 long-period bulge variables, four were found to definitely contain Tc in their atmospheres. The luminosity of the Tc-rich stars agrees with predictions from AGB evolutionary models on the minimum luminosity at the time when third dredge-up sets in. However, AGB evolutionary models and a bulge consisting of a single old population cannot be brought into agreement. This probably means that a younger population is present in the bulge, as suggested by various authors, that contains the Tc-rich stars identified here.
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