Neutron-capture elements in NGC 6752 multiple populations

Globular clusters have been widely studied in terms of light element variations present in their different stellar populations. However, the nature of the polluter(s) responsible for this phenomenon is still debated. The study of heavy elements and their relation to light ones can provide further constraints. In particular, we aim to explore the possible contribution of asymptotic giant branch stars of different stellar masses to the internal pollution in the cluster. We derive abundances of elements from different nucleosynthetic chains, such as Na, Mg, Ca, Sc, Cu, Y, and Ba. We did not find clear relations between the light s-process elements (represented by Y ii) or heavy ones (represented by Ba ii) with light elements (Li, Na, or Al). This indicates that the polluter(s) responsible for the Na (Al) or Li production does not produce large amounts of Y ii and Ba ii. Furthermore, the comparison with models discards a possible significant contribution to the cluster pollution from AGB stars with masses lower than 5 M-circle dot. In addition, we found a potential CH star in our sample.

Automated summary

Globular clusters have been extensively studied for their light element variations, but the source of pollution is still debated. This study analyzes heavy elements and their relation to light ones to explore the contribution of different stellar masses to cluster pollution. The results show no clear relations between light s-process elements (Y ii) or heavy elements (Ba ii) with light elements (Li, Na, or Al), suggesting that the polluter(s) responsible for Na (Al) or Li production do not produce significant amounts of Y ii and Ba ii. Models also exclude a significant contribution from AGB stars with masses lower than 5 M-circle dot, and a possible CH star is found in the sample.