Detection of "parent" molecules from the inner wind of AGB stars as tracers of non-equilibrium chemistry

Abstract

Context.Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars are typified by strong dust-driven, molecular outflows. For long, it was believed that the molecular content of the circumstellar envelope of AGB stars is primarily determined by the atmospheric C/O ratio. However, recent observations of molecules such as HCN, SiO, and SO reveal gas-phase abundances higher than predicted by thermodynamic equilibrium (TE) models. UV-photon initiated dissociation in the outer envelope or non-equilibrium formation by the effect of shocks in the inner envelope may be the origin of the anomolous abundances.Aims.We aim to detect (i) a group of "parent" molecules (CO, SiO, HCN, CS), predicted by non-equilibrium studies to form with almost constant abundances independent of the C/O ratio and the stellar evolutionary stage on the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB), and (ii) the few molecules, such as SiS and SO, that are sensitive to the O- or C-rich nature of the star.Methods.Several low and high excitation rotational transitions of key molecules are observed at mm and sub-mm wavelengths with JCMT and APEX in four AGB stars: the oxygen-rich Mira WX Psc, the S star W Aql, and the two carbon stars V Cyg and II Lup. A critical density analysis is performed to determine the formation region of the high-excitation molecular lines.Results.We detect the four "parent" molecules in all four objects, implying that, indeed, these chemical species form whatever the stage of evolution on the AGB. High-excitation lines of SiS are also detected in three stars with APEX, whereas SO is only detected in the oxygen-rich star WX Psc. Conclusions.This is the first multi-molecular observational proof that periodically shocked layers above the photosphere of AGB stars show some chemical homogeneity, whatever the photospheric C/O ratio and stage of evolution of the star. © 2008 ESO.