What mechanism accounts for the creation of elements up to bismuth ($ ext{Bi}$) in less massive, aging stars?

Answer

The s-process (slow neutron capture) in AGB stars

The slow neutron capture process, or s-process, occurs in the late evolutionary stages of stars like Asymptotic Giant Branch stars, producing elements heavier than iron up to bismuth.

What mechanism accounts for the creation of elements up to bismuth ($	ext{Bi}$) in less massive, aging stars?
starsastrophysicsElementsnucleosynthesis