The use of Planetary Nebulae precursors in the study of Diffuse Interstellar Bands

Abstract

We present the first results of a systematic search for Diffuse Interstellar Bands in a carefully selected sample of post-AGB stars observed with high resolution optical spectroscopy. These stars are shown to be ideal targets to study this old, intriguing astrophysical problem. Our results suggest that the carrier(s) of these bands may not be present in the circumstellar environments of these evolved stars. The implications of the results obtained on the identification of the still unknown carrier(s) are discussed.