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The MIKE/HIRES Lyman limit survey: first results

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2005

Gabriel E. Prochter
Affiliation:
UCSC Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, UCO/Lick Observatory
Jason X. Prochaska
Affiliation:
UCSC Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, UCO/Lick Observatory
Scott M. Burles
Affiliation:
Center for Space Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
John O'Meara
Affiliation:
Center for Space Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Rebecca A. Bernstein
Affiliation:
Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan
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Abstract

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We present preliminary results of a detailed analysis of the $z=3.55$ Lyman limit system observed in the optical spectrum of Q2000-330. We have fitted Voigt profiles to the system to determine the column densities and Doppler parameters of its many components. For its major components we have also determined the ionisation fraction of the gas and obtained crude estimates of metallicities. We find order of magnitude variations in ionisation fraction and metallicity in components separated by as little as 150 km s$^{-1}$ in velocity space. This work is presented as an example of a campaign we have begun to collect such information on a sample of $\sim 100$ such systems in an effort to accurately characterise this enigmatic and important class of quasar absorption line systems.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
© 2005 International Astronomical Union