s- and r-process elements in two very metal-poor stars

Abstract

New measurements of neutron-capture elements are presented for two very metal-poor stars ([Fe/H] ~ -3). One (LP 625-44) has an s-process signature believed to be due to mass transfer from a now-extinct metal-poor AGB companion, and the second (CS 22897-008) is one of a number of very metal-poor stars having high [Sr/Ba] ratios which is not expected from the r-process. In the s-process star, many elements including lead have been detected, providing strong constraints on the 13C pocket in the now-extinct AGB star. In the Sr-rich star, Zn, Y, and Zr are also seen to be overabundant, and several possible nucleosynthesis mechanisms are discussed.