mm-VLBI observations of SiO masers: Further support for radiative pumping and rotation of the inner shell

Abstract

We have performed VLBA observations of the SiO v = 1 and v = 2 J = 1-0 masers in two AGB stars, TX Cam and IRC +10011. We confirm the ring-like spatial distribution, previously found in several AGB objects, as well as the tangential polarization pattern, already reported for TX Cam. Both properties, that seem to be systematic in this kind of objects, are characteristic of radiatively pumped SiO masers. On the contrary, we do not confirm the previous report on the spatial coincidence between the J = 1-0 v = 1 and 2 masers, a result that would have argued in favor of collisional pumping. We find that both lines sometimes arise from nearby spots, typically separated by 1-2 mas, but are rarely coincident. The discrepancy with previous results is explained by the very high spatial resolution of our observations, ∼ 0.5 mas, an order of magnitude better than in the relevant previously published experiment. Moreover, we have been able to measure a probable rotation of the inner shell of a few km/s. Rotation of circumstellar shells is assumed by the most convincing models explaining the drastic change of symmetry between the AGB envelopes (spherical symmetry) and Proto Planetary Nebulae (axial symmetry).