Lithium isotopic abundances in stars

Abstract

The Li isotope ratio, 6Li/7Li, in stars can be determined from the isotopic shift in the Li I 670.8 nm resonance line. Because of the small effect this however requires truly precision spectroscopy: spectral resolving power R ≥ 105 and S/N ≥ 500. In this review we discuss the method and what one can learn from Li isotopic abundances in terms of Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, cosmic ray production of Li, stellar structure, and planet formation. Some instrumental problems and the need for new instrumentation are briefly discussed. Show more