I-Process Nucleosynthesis in AGB Stars

Explore a 52-minute lecture on the intermediate neutron capture process (i-process) in Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars, delivered by Lionel Siess from Université Libre de Bruxelles. Delve into the ongoing mystery of trans-iron element formation, examining the process that occurs at neutron densities between the slow (s) and rapid (r) neutron capture processes. Learn about the evidence supporting the i-process, particularly through observations of metal-poor r/s-stars, and understand how proton ingestion events (PIEs) in convective helium-burning zones trigger this nucleosynthesis mechanism. Examine detailed models of AGB stars at various masses and metallicities computed using the STAREVOL code, discovering how PIEs can significantly alter AGB evolution. Investigate the effects of overshooting and analyze the specific nucleosynthesis patterns that emerge during proton ingestion events in these stellar environments.