@article{TodtSanderHainichetal.2015, author = {Todt, Helge Tobias and Sander, Angelika and Hainich, Rainer and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Quade, Markus and Shenar, Tomer}, title = {Potsdam Wolf-Rayet model atmosphere grids for WN stars}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {579}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201526253}, pages = {6}, year = {2015}, abstract = {We present new grids of Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) model atmospheres for Wolf-Rayet stars of the nitrogen sequence (WN stars). The models have been calculated with the latest version of the PoWR stellar atmosphere code for spherical stellar winds. The WN model atmospheres include the non-LTE solutions of the statistical equations for complex model atoms, as well as the radiative transfer equation in the co-moving frame. Iron-line blanketing is treated with the help of the superlevel approach, while wind inhomogeneities are taken into account via optically thin clumps. Three of our model grids are appropriate for Galactic metallicity. The hydrogen mass fraction of these grids is 50\%, 20\%, and 0\%, thus also covering the hydrogen-rich late-type WR stars that have been discovered in recent years. Three grids are adequate for LMC WN stars and have hydrogen fractions of 40\%, 20\%, and 0\%. Recently, additional grids with SMC metallicity and with 60\%, 40\%, 20\%, and 0\% hydrogen have been added. We provide contour plots of the equivalent widths of spectral lines that are usually used for classification and diagnostics.}, language = {en} } @misc{TodtPenaZuehlkeetal.2011, author = {Todt, Helge Tobias and Pe{\~n}a, Miriam and Z{\"u}hlke, Julia and Oskinova, Lida and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Gr{\"a}fener, G{\"o}tz}, title = {Weak emission line central stars of planetary nebulae}, series = {Planetary Nebulae: an Eye to the Future}, journal = {Planetary Nebulae: an Eye to the Future}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-413775}, pages = {2}, year = {2011}, abstract = {To understand the evolution and morphology of planetary nebulae, a detailed knowledge of their central stars is required. Central stars that exhibit emission lines in their spectra, indicating stellar mass-loss allow to study the evolution of planetary nebulae in action. Emission line central stars constitute about 10 \% of all central stars. Half of them are practically hydrogen-free Wolf-Rayet type central stars of the carbon sequence, [WC], that show strong emission lines of carbon and oxygen in their spectra. In this contribution we address the weak emission-lines central stars (wels). These stars are poorly analyzed and their hydrogen content is mostly unknown. We obtained optical spectra, that include the important Balmer lines of hydrogen, for four weak emission line central stars. We present the results of our analysis, provide spectral classification and discuss possible explanations for their formation and evolution.}, language = {en} } @article{TodtPenaHamannetal.2010, author = {Todt, Helge Tobias and Pena, Maria A. and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Gr{\"a}fener, G{\"o}tz}, title = {The central star of the planetary nebula PB8 : a Wolf-Rayet-type wind of an unusual WN/WC chemical composition}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/200912183}, year = {2010}, abstract = {A considerable fraction of the central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe) are hydrogen-deficient. As a rule, these CSPNe exhibit a chemical composition of helium, carbon, and oxygen with the majority showing Wolf-Rayet-like emission line spectra. These stars are classified as CSPNe of a spectral type [WC]. We perform a spectral analysis of CSPN PB 8 with the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) models for expanding atmospheres. The source PB8 displays wind-broadened emission lines from strong mass loss. Most strikingly, we find that its surface composition is hydrogen-deficient, but not carbon-rich. With mass fractions of 55\% helium, 40\% hydrogen, 1.3\% carbon, 2\% nitrogen, and 1.3\% oxygen, it differs greatly from the 30-50\% of carbon which are typically seen in [WC]-type central stars. The atmospheric mixture in PB8 has an analogy in the WN/WC transition type among the massive Wolf-Rayet stars. Therefore we suggest to introduce a new spectral type [WN/WC] for CSPNe, with PB8 as its first member. The central star of PB8 has a relatively low temperature of T-* = 52 kK, as expected for central stars in their early evolutionary stages. Its surrounding nebula is less than 3000 years old, i.e. relatively young. Existing calculations for the post-AGB evolution can produce hydrogen-deficient stars of the [WC] type, but do not predict the composition found in PB8. We discuss various scenarios that might explain the origin of this unique object.}, language = {en} } @article{TodtKniazevGvaramadzeetal.2013, author = {Todt, Helge Tobias and Kniazev, A. Y. and Gvaramadze, V. V. and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Buckley, D. and Crause, L. and Crawford, S. M. and Gulbis, A. A. S. and Hettlage, C. and Hooper, E. and Husser, T. -O. and Kotze, P. and Loaring, N. and Nordsieck, K. H. and O'Donoghue, D. and Pickering, T. and Potter, S. and Romero-Colmenero, E. and Vaisanen, P. and Williams, T. and Wolf, M.}, title = {Abell 48-a rare WN-type central star of a planetary nebula}, series = {Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society}, volume = {430}, journal = {Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society}, number = {3}, publisher = {Oxford Univ. Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0035-8711}, doi = {10.1093/mnras/stt056}, pages = {2302 -- 2312}, year = {2013}, abstract = {A considerable fraction of the central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe) are hydrogen-deficient. Almost all of these H-deficient central stars (CSs) display spectra with strong carbon and helium lines. Most of them exhibit emission-line spectra resembling those of massive WC stars. Therefore these stars are classed as CSPNe of spectral type [WC]. Recently, quantitative spectral analysis of two emission-line CSs, PB 8 and IC 4663, revealed that these stars do not belong to the [WC] class. Instead PB 8 has been classified as [WN/WC] type and IC 4663 as [WN] type. In this work we report the spectroscopic identification of another rare [WN] star, the CS of Abell 48. We performed a spectral analysis of Abell 48 with the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) models for expanding atmospheres. We find that the expanding atmosphere of Abell 48 is mainly composed of helium (85 per cent by mass), hydrogen (10 per cent) and nitrogen (5 per cent). The residual hydrogen and the enhanced nitrogen abundance make this object different from the other [WN] star IC 4663. We discuss the possible origin of this atmospheric composition.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{TodtHamannGraefener2007, author = {Todt, Helge Tobias and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Gr{\"a}fener, G.}, title = {Clumping in [WC]-type Central Stars from electron-scattering line wings}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-17711}, year = {2007}, abstract = {While there is strong evidence for clumping in the winds of massive hot stars, very little is known about clumping in the winds from Central Stars. We have checked [WC]-type CSPN winds for clumping by inspecting the electron-scattering line wings. At least for three stars we found indications for wind inhomogeneities.}, language = {en} } @article{TodtHamann2015, author = {Todt, Helge Tobias and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer}, title = {Wolf-Rayet central stars of planetary nebulae}, series = {Wolf-Rayet Stars : Proceedings of an International Workshop held in Potsdam, Germany, 1.-5. June 2015}, journal = {Wolf-Rayet Stars : Proceedings of an International Workshop held in Potsdam, Germany, 1.-5. June 2015}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-88147}, pages = {253 -- 258}, year = {2015}, abstract = {A significant number of the central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe) are hydrogen-deficient, showing a chemical composition of helium, carbon, and oxygen. Most of them exhibit Wolf-Rayet-like emission line spectra, similar to those of the massive WC Pop I stars, and are therefore classified as of spectral type [WC]. In the last years, CSPNe of other Wolf-Rayet spectral subtypes have been identified, namely PB 8, which is of spectral type [WN/C], and IC 4663 and Abell 48, which are of spectral type [WN]. We review spectral analyses of Wolf-Rayet type central stars of different evolutionary stages and discuss the results in the context of stellar evolution. Especially we consider the question of a common evolutionary channel for [WC] stars. The constraints on the formation of [WN] or [WC/N] subtype stars will also be addressed.}, language = {en} } @article{ToalaBowmanVanReethetal.2022, author = {Toal{\´a}, Jes{\´u}s Alberto and Bowman, Dominic and Van Reeth, Timothy and Todt, Helge Tobias and Dsilva, Karan and Shenar, Tomer and Koenigsberger, Gloria Suzanne and Estrada-Dorado, Sandino and Oskinova, Lida and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer}, title = {Multiple variability time-scales of the early nitrogen-rich Wolf-Rayet star WR 7}, series = {Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society}, volume = {514}, journal = {Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society}, number = {2}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0035-8711}, doi = {10.1093/mnras/stac1455}, pages = {2269 -- 2277}, year = {2022}, abstract = {We present the analysis of the optical variability of the early, nitrogen-rich Wolf-Rayet (WR) star WR 7. The analysis of multisector Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) light curves and high-resolution spectroscopic observations confirm multiperiodic variability that is modulated on time-scales of years. We detect a dominant period of 2.6433 +/- 0.0005 d in the TESS sectors 33 and 34 light curves in addition to the previously reported high-frequency features from sector 7. We discuss the plausible mechanisms that may be responsible for such variability in WR 7, including pulsations, binarity, co-rotating interaction regions (CIRs), and clumpy winds. Given the lack of strong evidence for the presence of a stellar or compact companion, we suggest that WR 7 may pulsate in quasi-coherent modes in addition to wind variability likely caused by CIRs on top of stochastic low-frequency variability. WR 7 is certainly a worthy target for future monitoring in both spectroscopy and photometry to sample both the short (less than or similar to 1 d) and long (greater than or similar to 1000 d) variability time-scales.}, language = {en} } @article{ToalaOskinovaHamannetal.2018, author = {Toala, Jes{\´u}s Alberto and Oskinova, Lida and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Ignace, Richard and Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph and Shenar, Tomer and Todt, Helge Tobias and Chu, Y. -H. and Guerrero, Martin A. and Hainich, Rainer and Torrejon, Jose Miguel}, title = {On the Apparent Absence of Wolf-Rayet plus Neutron Star Systems}, series = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics ; Part 2, Letters}, volume = {869}, journal = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics ; Part 2, Letters}, number = {1}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {2041-8205}, doi = {10.3847/2041-8213/aaf39d}, pages = {5}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Among the different types of massive stars in advanced evolutionary stages is the enigmatic WN8h type. There are only a few Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars with this spectral type in our Galaxy. It has long been suggested that WN8h-type stars are the products of binary evolution that may harbor neutron stars (NS). One of the most intriguing WN8h stars is the runaway WR 124 surrounded by its magnificent nebula M1-67. We test the presence of an accreting NS companion in WR 124 using similar to 100 ks long observations by the Chandra X-ray observatory. The hard X-ray emission from WR 124 with a luminosity of L-X similar to 10(31) erg s(-1) is marginally detected. We use the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium stellar atmosphere code PoWR to estimate the WR wind opacity to the X-rays. The wind of a WN8-type star is effectively opaque for X-rays, hence the low X-ray luminosity of WR 124 does not rule out the presence of an embedded compact object. We suggest that, in general, high-opacity WR winds could prevent X-ray detections of embedded NS, and be an explanation for the apparent lack of WR+NS systems.}, language = {en} } @article{ToalaGuerreroTodtetal.2015, author = {Toala, Jes{\´u}s Alberto and Guerrero, Mart{\´i}n A. and Todt, Helge Tobias and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Chu, Y.-H. and Gruendl, R. A. and Sch{\"o}nberner, Detlef and Oskinova, Lida and Marquez-Lugo, R. A. and Fang, X. and Ramos-Larios, Gerardo}, title = {The born-again Planetary nebula A78: an X-RAY twin of A30}, series = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, volume = {799}, journal = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, number = {1}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0004-637X}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637X/799/1/67}, pages = {10}, year = {2015}, abstract = {We present the XMM-Newton discovery of X-ray emission from the planetary nebula (PN) A78, the second born-again PN detected in X-rays apart from A30. These two PNe share similar spectral and morphological characteristics: they harbor diffuse soft X-ray emission associated with the interaction between the H-poor ejecta and the current fast stellar wind and a point-like source at the position of the central star (CSPN). We present the spectral analysis of the CSPN, using for the first time an NLTE code for expanding atmospheres that takes line blanketing into account for the UV and optical spectra. The wind abundances are used for the X-ray spectral analysis of the CSPN and the diffuse emission. The X-ray emission from the CSPN in A78 can be modeled by a single C VI emission line, while the X-ray emission from its diffuse component is better described by an optically thin plasma emission model with a temperature of kT = 0.088 keV (T approximate to 1.0 x 10(6) K). We estimate X-ray luminosities in the 0.2-2.0 keV energy band of L-X,L-CSPN =(1.2 +/- 0.3) x 10(31) erg s(-1) and L-X,L-DIFF =(9.2 +/- 2.3) x 10(30) erg s(-1) for the CSPN and diffuse components, respectively.}, language = {en} } @article{SurlanHamannKubatetal.2012, author = {Surlan, B. and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Kubat, Jirij and Oskinova, Lida and Feldmeier, Achim}, title = {Three-dimensional radiative transfer in clumped hot star winds I influence of clumping on the resonance line formation}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {541}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201118590}, pages = {11}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Context. The true mass-loss rates from massive stars are important for many branches of astrophysics. For the correct modeling of the resonance lines, which are among the key diagnostics of stellar mass-loss, the stellar wind clumping has been found to be very important. To incorporate clumping into a radiative transfer calculation, three-dimensional (3D) models are required. Various properties of the clumps may have a strong impact on the resonance line formation and, therefore, on the determination of empirical mass-loss rates. Aims. We incorporate the 3D nature of the stellar wind clumping into radiative transfer calculations and investigate how different model parameters influence the resonance line formation. Methods. We develop a full 3D Monte Carlo radiative transfer code for inhomogeneous expanding stellar winds. The number density of clumps follows the mass conservation. For the first time, we use realistic 3D models that describe the dense as well as the tenuous wind components to model the formation of resonance lines in a clumped stellar wind. At the same time, we account for non-monotonic velocity fields. Results. The 3D density and velocity wind inhomogeneities show that there is a very strong impact on the resonance line formation. The different parameters describing the clumping and the velocity field results in different line strengths and profiles. We present a set of representative models for various sets of model parameters and investigate how the resonance lines are affected. Our 3D models show that the line opacity is lower for a larger clump separation and shallower velocity gradients within the clumps. Conclusions. Our model demonstrates that to obtain empirically correct mass-loss rates from the UV resonance lines, the wind clumping and its 3D nature must be taken into account.}, language = {en} } @article{SteinkeOskinovaHamannetal.2016, author = {Steinke, Martin and Oskinova, Lida and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph and Liermann, A. and Todt, Helge Tobias}, title = {Analysis of the WN star WR102c, its WR nebula, and the associated cluster of massive stars in the Sickle Nebula}, series = {Tectonophysics : international journal of geotectonics and the geology and physics of the interior of the earth}, volume = {588}, journal = {Tectonophysics : international journal of geotectonics and the geology and physics of the interior of the earth}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {1432-0746}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201527692}, pages = {10}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Context. The massive Wolf-Rayet type star WR102c is located near the Quintuplet Cluster, one of the three massive star clusters in the Galactic centre region. Previous studies indicated that WR102c may have a dusty circumstellar nebula and is among the main ionising sources of the Sickle Nebula associated with the Quintuplet Cluster. Aims. The goals of our study are to derive the stellar parameters of WR102c from the analysis of its spectrum and to investigate its stellar and nebular environment. Methods. We obtained observations with the ESO VLT integral field spectrograph SINFONI in the K-band, extracted the stellar spectra, and analysed them by means of stellar atmosphere models. Results. Our new analysis supersedes the results previously reported for WR102c. We significantly decrease its bolometric luminosity and hydrogen content. We detect four early OB type stars close to WR102c. These stars have radial velocities similar to that of WR102c. We suggest that together with WR102c these stars belong to a distinct star cluster with a total mass of similar to 1000 M-circle dot. We identify a new WR nebula around WR102c in the SINFONI map of the di ff use Br gamma emission and in the HST Pa ff images. The Br gamma line at di ff erent locations is not significantly broadened and similar to the width of nebular emission elsewhere in the H i i region around WR102c. Conclusions. The massive star WR102c located in the Galactic centre region resides in a star cluster containing additional early-type stars. The stellar parameters of WR102c are typical for hydrogen-free WN6 stars. We identify a nebula surrounding WR102c that has a morphology similar to other nebulae around hydrogen-free WR stars, and propose that the formation of this nebula is linked to interaction of the fast stellar wind with the matter ejected at a previous evolutionary stage of WR102c.}, language = {en} } @article{SteinkeOskinovaHamannetal.2015, author = {Steinke, M. and Oskinova, Lida and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Sander, A.}, title = {The Wolf-Rayet stars WR102c and 102ka and their isolation}, series = {Wolf-Rayet Stars : Proceedings of an International Workshop held in Potsdam, Germany, 1.-5. June 2015}, journal = {Wolf-Rayet Stars : Proceedings of an International Workshop held in Potsdam, Germany, 1.-5. June 2015}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-88503}, pages = {365}, year = {2015}, abstract = {While the majority of very massive stars is clearly found in clusters, there are also very massive objects not associated with any cluster, suggesting they may have been born in isolation. In order to gain more insights, we studied the regions around two WR stars in the Galactic Center region. To understand the nature of the potential cluster around massive stars, photometry alone is not sufficient. We therefore used the ESO VLT/SINFONI integral field spectrograph to obtain photometry and spectra for the whole region around our two candidate stars. In total, more than 60 stars have been found and assigned a spectral type.}, language = {en} } @article{SteffenHubrigTodtetal.2014, author = {Steffen, M. and Hubrig, Swetlana and Todt, Helge Tobias and Schoeller, M. and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Sandin, Christer and Sch{\"o}nberner, Detlef}, title = {Weak magnetic fields in central stars of planetary nebulae?}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {570}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201423842}, pages = {15}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Context. It is not yet clear whether magnetic fields play an essential role in shaping planetary nebulae (PNe), or whether stellar rotation alone and/or a close binary companion, stellar or substellar, can account for the variety of the observed nebular morphologies. Aims. In a quest for empirical evidence verifying or disproving the role of magnetic fields in shaping planetary nebulae, we follow up on previous attempts to measure the magnetic field in a representative sample of PN central stars. Methods. We obtained low-resolution polarimetric spectra with FORS2 installed on the Antu telescope of the VLT for a sample of 12 bright central stars of PNe with different morphologies, including two round nebulae, seven elliptical nebulae, and three bipolar nebulae. Two targets are Wolf-Rayet type central stars. Results. For the majority of the observed central stars, we do not find any significant evidence for the existence of surface magnetic fields. However, our measurements may indicate the presence of weak mean longitudinal magnetic fields of the order of 100 Gauss in the central star of the young elliptical planetary nebula IC 418 as well as in the Wolf-Rayet type central star of the bipolar nebula Hen 2-113 and the weak emission line central star of the elliptical nebula Hen 2-131. A clear detection of a 250 G mean longitudinal field is achieved for the A-type companion of the central star of NGC 1514. Some of the central stars show a moderate night-to-night spectrum variability, which may be the signature of a variable stellar wind and/or rotational modulation due to magnetic features. Conclusions. Since our analysis indicates only weak fields, if any, in a few targets of our sample, we conclude that strong magnetic fields of the order of kG are not widespread among PNe central stars. Nevertheless, simple estimates based on a theoretical model of magnetized wind bubbles suggest that even weak magnetic fields below the current detection limit of the order of 100 G may well be sufficient to contribute to the shaping of the surrounding nebulae throughout their evolution. Our current sample is too small to draw conclusions about a correlation between nebular morphology and the presence of stellar magnetic fields.}, language = {en} } @article{StastinskaGraefenerPenaetal.2004, author = {Stastinska, G. and Gr{\"a}fener, G{\"o}tz and Pena, M. and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Koesterke, Lars and Szczerba, Ryszard}, title = {Comprehensive modelling of the planetary nebula LMC-SMP 61 and its [WC]-type central star}, issn = {0004-6361}, year = {2004}, abstract = {We present a comprehensive study of the Magellanic Cloud planetary nebula SMP 61 and of its nucleus, a Wolf- Rayet type star classified [WC 5-6]. The observational material consists of HST STIS spectroscopy and imaging, together with optical and UV spectroscopic data collected from the literature and infrared fluxes measured by IRAS. We have performed a detailed spectral analysis of the central star, using the Potsdam code for expanding atmospheres in non-LTE. For the central star we determine the following parameters: L-star = 10(3.96) L-., R-star = 0.42 R-., T-star = 87.5 kK, (M) over dot = 10(-6.12) M-. yr(-1), v(infinity) = 1400 km s(-1), and a clumping factor of D = 4. The elemental abundances by mass are X-He = 0.45, X-C = 0.52, X-N < 5 x 10(-5), X-O = 0.03, and X-Fe < 1 x 10(-4). The fluxes from the model stellar atmosphere were used to compute photoionization models of the nebula. All the available observations, within their error bars, were used to constrain these models. We find that the ionizing fluxes predicted by the stellar model are consistent with the fluxes needed by the photoionization model to reproduce the nebular emission, within the error margins. However, there are indications that the stellar model overestimates the number and hardness of Lyman continuum photons. The photoionization models imply a clumped density structure of the nebular material. The observed C III] lambda1909/C II lambda4267 line ratio implies the existence of carbon-rich clumps in the nebula. Such clumps are likely produced by stellar wind ejecta, possibly mixed with the nebular material. We discuss our results with regard to the stellar and nebular post-AGB evolution. The observed Fe-deficiency for the central star indicates that the material which is now visible on the stellar surface has been exposed to s-process nucleosynthesis during previous thermal pulses. The absence of nitrogen allows us to set an upper limit to the remaining H-envelope mass after a possible AGB final thermal pulse. Finally, we infer from the total amount of carbon detected in the nebula that the strong [WC] mass- loss may have been active only for a limited period during the post-AGB evolution}, language = {en} } @article{ShenarSablowskiHainichetal.2019, author = {Shenar, Tomer and Sablowski, D. P. and Hainich, Rainer and Todt, Helge Tobias and Moffat, Anthony F. J. and Oskinova, Lida and Ramachandran, Varsha and Sana, Hugues and Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph and Schnurr, O. and St-Louis, N. and Vanbeveren, D. and Gotberg, Y. and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer}, title = {The Wolf-Rayet binaries of the nitrogen sequence in the Large Magellanic Cloud Spectroscopy, orbital analysis, formation, and evolution}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {627}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201935684}, pages = {68}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Context. Massive Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars dominate the radiative and mechanical energy budget of galaxies and probe a critical phase in the evolution of massive stars prior to core collapse. It is not known whether core He-burning WR stars (classical WR; cWR) form predominantly through wind stripping (w-WR) or binary stripping (b-WR). Whereas spectroscopy of WR binaries has so-far largely been avoided because of its complexity, our study focuses on the 44 WR binaries and binary candidates of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC; metallicity Z approximate to 0.5 Z(circle dot)), which were identified on the basis of radial velocity variations, composite spectra, or high X-ray luminosities. Aims. Relying on a diverse spectroscopic database, we aim to derive the physical and orbital parameters of our targets, confronting evolution models of evolved massive stars at subsolar metallicity and constraining the impact of binary interaction in forming these stars. Methods. Spectroscopy was performed using the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) code and cross-correlation techniques. Disentanglement was performed using the code Spectangular or the shift-and-add algorithm. Evolutionary status was interpreted using the Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis (BPASS) code, exploring binary interaction and chemically homogeneous evolution. Results. Among our sample, 28/44 objects show composite spectra and are analyzed as such. An additional five targets show periodically moving WR primaries but no detected companions (SB1); two (BAT99 99 and 112) are potential WR + compact-object candidates owing to their high X-ray luminosities. We cannot confirm the binary nature of the remaining 11 candidates. About two-thirds of the WN components in binaries are identified as cWR, and one-third as hydrogen-burning WR stars. We establish metallicity-dependent mass-loss recipes, which broadly agree with those recently derived for single WN stars, and in which so-called WN3/O3 stars are clear outliers. We estimate that 45 +/- 30\% of the cWR stars in our sample have interacted with a companion via mass transfer. However, only approximate to 12 +/- 7\% of the cWR stars in our sample naively appear to have formed purely owing to stripping via a companion (12\% b-WR). Assuming that apparently single WR stars truly formed as single stars, this comprises approximate to 4\% of the whole LMC WN population, which is about ten times less than expected. No obvious differences in the properties of single and binary WN stars, whose luminosities extend down to log L approximate to 5.2 [L-circle dot], are apparent. With the exception of a few systems (BAT99 19, 49, and 103), the equatorial rotational velocities of the OB-type companions are moderate (v(eq) less than or similar to 250 km s(-1)) and challenge standard formalisms of angular-momentum accretion. For most objects, chemically homogeneous evolution can be rejected for the secondary, but not for the WR progenitor. Conclusions. No obvious dichotomy in the locations of apparently single and binary WN stars on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is apparent. According to commonly used stellar evolution models (BPASS, Geneva), most apparently single WN stars could not have formed as single stars, implying that they were stripped by an undetected companion. Otherwise, it must follow that pre-WR mass-loss/mixing (e.g., during the red supergiant phase) are strongly underestimated in standard stellar evolution models.}, language = {en} } @article{ShenarRichardsonSablowskietal.2017, author = {Shenar, Tomer and Richardson, N. D. and Sablowski, Daniel P. and Hainich, Rainer and Sana, H. and Moffat, A. F. J. and Todt, Helge Tobias and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Oskinova, Lida and Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph and Tramper, Frank and Langer, Norbert and Bonanos, Alceste Z. and de Mink, Selma E. and Gr{\"a}fener, G. and Crowther, Paul and Vink, J. S. and Almeida, Leonardo A. and de Koter, A. and Barb{\´a}, Rodolfo and Herrero, A. and Ulaczyk, Krzysztof}, title = {The tarantula massive binary monitoring}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {598}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {1432-0746}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201629621}, pages = {16}, year = {2017}, abstract = {We present the first SB2 orbital solution and disentanglement of the massive Wolf-Rayet binary R145 (P = 159 d) located in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The primary was claimed to have a stellar mass greater than 300 M-circle dot, making it a candidate for being the most massive star known to date. While the primary is a known late-type, H-rich Wolf-Rayet star (WN6h), the secondary has so far not been unambiguously detected. Using moderate-resolution spectra, we are able to derive accurate radial velocities for both components. By performing simultaneous orbital and polarimetric analyses, we derive the complete set of orbital parameters, including the inclination. The spectra are disentangled and spectroscopically analyzed, and an analysis of the wind-wind collision zone is conducted. The disentangled spectra and our models are consistent with a WN6h type for the primary and suggest that the secondary is an O3.5 If*/WN7 type star. We derive a high eccentricity of e = 0 : 78 and minimum masses of M-1 sin(3) i approximate to M-2 sin(3) i = 13 +/- 2 M-circle dot, with q = M-2/M-1 = 1.01 +/- 0.07. An analysis of emission excess stemming from a wind-wind collision yields an inclination similar to that obtained from polarimetry (i = 39 +/- 6 degrees). Our analysis thus implies M-1 = 53(-20)(+40) and M2 = 54(-20)(+40) M-circle dot, excluding M-1 > 300 M-circle dot. A detailed comparison with evolution tracks calculated for single and binary stars together with the high eccentricity suggests that the components of the system underwent quasi-homogeneous evolution and avoided mass-transfer. This scenario would suggest current masses of approximate to 80 M-circle dot and initial masses of M-i,M-1 approximate to 10(5) and M-i,M-2 approximate to 90 M-circle dot, consistent with the upper limits of our derived orbital masses, and would imply an age of approximate to 2.2 Myr.}, language = {en} } @article{ShenarOskinovaJaervinenetal.2017, author = {Shenar, Tomer and Oskinova, Lida and Jaervinen, S. P. and Luckas, P. and Hainich, Rainer and Todt, Helge Tobias and Hubrig, Swetlana and Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph and Ilyin, Ilya and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer}, title = {Constraining the weak-wind problem}, series = {Contributions Of The Astronomical Observatory Skalnate Pleso}, volume = {48}, journal = {Contributions Of The Astronomical Observatory Skalnate Pleso}, number = {1}, publisher = {Astronomick{\´y} {\´U}stav SAV}, address = {Tatransk{\´a} Lomnica}, issn = {1335-1842}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201731291}, pages = {139 -- 143}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Mass-loss rates of massive, late type main sequence stars are much weaker than currently predicted, but their true values are very difficult to measure. We suggest that confined stellar winds of magnetic stars can be exploited to constrain the true mass-loss rates M of massive main sequence stars. We acquired UV, X-ray, and optical amateur data of HD 54879 (09.7 V), one of a few O-type stars with a detected atmospheric magnetic field (B-d greater than or similar to 2 kG). We analyze these data with the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) and XSPEC codes. We can roughly estimate the mass-loss rate the star would have in the absence of a magnetic field as log M-B=0 approximate to -9.0 M-circle dot yr(-1). Since the wind is partially trapped within the Alfven radius rA greater than or similar to 12 R-*,, the true mass-loss rate of HD 54879 is log M less than or similar to -10.2 M-circle dot yr(-1). Moreover, we find that the microturbulent, macroturbulent, and projected rotational velocities are lower than previously suggested (< 4 km s(-1)). An initial mass of 16 M-circle dot and an age of 5 Myr are inferred. We derive a mean X-ray emitting temperature of log T-x = 6.7 K and an X-ray luminosity of log L-x = 32 erg s(-1). The latter implies a significant X-ray excess (log L-x/L-Bol approximate to - 6.0), most likely stemming from collisions at the magnetic equator. A tentative period of P approximate to 5 yr is derived from variability of the Ha line. Our study confirms that strongly magnetized stars lose little or no mass, and supplies important constraints on the weak-wind problem of massive main sequence stars.}, language = {en} } @article{ShenarOskinovaHamannetal.2015, author = {Shenar, Tomer and Oskinova, Lida and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Corcoran, Michael F. and Moffat, Anthony F. J. and Pablo, Herbert and Richardson, Noel D. and Waldron, Wayne L. and Huenemoerder, David P. and Maiz Apellaniz, Jesus and Nichols, Joy S. and Todt, Helge Tobias and Naze, Yael and Hoffman, Jennifer L. and Pollock, Andy M. T. and Negueruela, Ignacio}, title = {A coordinated X-Ray and optical campaign of the nearest massive eclipsing binary, delta ORIONIS Aa. IV. A multiwavelength, non-lte spectroscopic analysis}, series = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, volume = {809}, journal = {The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOP Publ. Ltd.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0004-637X}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637X/809/2/135}, pages = {20}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Eclipsing systems of massive stars allow one to explore the properties of their components in great detail. We perform a multi-wavelength, non-LTE analysis of the three components of the massive multiple system delta Ori A, focusing on the fundamental stellar properties, stellar winds, and X-ray characteristics of the system. The primary's distance-independent parameters turn out to be characteristic for its spectral type (O9.5 II), but usage of the Hipparcos parallax yields surprisingly low values for the mass, radius, and luminosity. Consistent values follow only if delta Ori lies at about twice the Hipparcos distance, in the vicinity of the sigma-Orionis cluster. The primary and tertiary dominate the spectrum and leave the secondary only marginally detectable. We estimate the V-band magnitude difference between primary and secondary to be Delta V approximate to 2.(m)8. The inferred parameters suggest that the secondary is an early B-type dwarf (approximate to B1 V), while the tertiary is an early B-type subgiant (approximate to B0 IV). We find evidence for rapid turbulent velocities (similar to 200 km s(-1)) and wind inhomogeneities, partially optically thick, in the primary's wind. The bulk of the X-ray emission likely emerges from the primary's stellar wind (logL(X)/L-Bol approximate to -6.85), initiating close to the stellar surface at R-0 similar to 1.1 R-*. Accounting for clumping, the mass-loss rate of the primary is found to be log (M) over dot approximate to -6.4 (M-circle dot yr(-1))., which agrees with hydrodynamic predictions, and provides a consistent picture along the X-ray, UV, optical, and radio spectral domains.}, language = {en} } @article{ShenarHamannTodt2015, author = {Shenar, Tomer and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Todt, Helge Tobias}, title = {The impact of rotation on the line profiles of Wolf-Rayet stars}, series = {Wolf-Rayet Stars : Proceedings of an International Workshop held in Potsdam, Germany, 1.-5. June 2015}, journal = {Wolf-Rayet Stars : Proceedings of an International Workshop held in Potsdam, Germany, 1.-5. June 2015}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-88008}, pages = {193 -- 196}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The distribution of angular momentum in massive stars is a critical component of their evolution, yet not much is known on the rotation velocities of Wolf-Rayet stars. There are various indications that rapidly rotating Wolf-Rayet stars should exist. Unfortunately, due to their expanding atmospheres, rotational velocities of Wolf-Rayet stars are very difficult to measure. In this work, we model the effects of rotation on the atmospheres of Wolf-Rayet stars by implementing a 3D integration scheme in the PoWR code. We further investigate whether the peculiar spectra of five Wolf-Rayet stars may imply rapid rotation, infer the corresponding rotation parameters, and discuss the implications of our results. We find that rotation helps to reproduce the unique spectra analyzed here. However, if rotation is indeed involved, the inferred rotational velocities at the stellar surface are large (∼ 200 km/s), and the implied co-rotation radii (∼ 10R∗) suggest the existence of very strong photospheric magnetic fields (∼ 20 kG).}, language = {en} } @article{ShenarHamannTodt2014, author = {Shenar, Tomer and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Todt, Helge Tobias}, title = {The impact of rotation on the line profiles of Wolf-Rayet stars}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {562}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201322496}, pages = {13}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Context. Massive Wolf-Rayet stars are recognized today to be in a very common, but short, evolutionary phase of massive stars. While our understanding of Wolf-Rayet stars has increased dramatically over the past decades, it remains unclear whether rapid rotators are among them. There are various indications that rapidly rotating Wolf-Rayet stars should exist. Unfortunately, due to their expanding atmospheres, rotational velocities of Wolf-Rayet stars are very difficult to measure. However, recently observed spectra of several Wolf-Rayet stars reveal peculiarly broad and round emission lines. Could these spectra imply rapid rotation? Aims. In this work, we model the effects of rotation on the atmospheres of Wolf-Rayet stars. We further investigate whether the peculiar spectra of five Wolf-Rayet stars may be explained with the help of stellar rotation, infer appropriate rotation parameters, and discuss the implications of our results. Methods. We make use of the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) non-LTE model atmosphere code. Since the observed spectra of WolfRayet stars are mainly formed in their expanding atmospheres, rotation must be accounted for with a 3D integration scheme of the formal integral. For this purpose, we assume a rotational velocity field consisting of an inner co-rotating domain and an outer domain, where the angular momentum is conserved. Results. We find that rotation can reproduce the unique spectra analyzed here. However, the inferred rotational velocities at the stellar surface are large (similar to 200 km s(-1)), and the inferred co-rotation radii (similar to 10R.) suggest the existence of very strong photospheric magnetic fields (similar to 20 kG).}, language = {en} }