The ratio of the C IV$\lambda\lambda$1548,1550 rest-wavelengths from high-redshift QSO absorption lines
Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: We use very high quality VLT-UVES quasar spectra obtained in the course of the ESO Large Programme “Cosmic evolution of the Intergalactic Medium", to show that the ratio of the C iv doublet rest-wavelengths published in the literature and widely used is not consistent with high-redshift observations. From the analysis of 106 C iv systems we obtain: $\lambda_2$/$\lambda_1=1.00166228\pm0.13\times10^{-6}$. A similar analysis on 28 Si iv systems shows that the observed ratio is consistent with the well known Si iv$\lambda\lambda$1393,1402 wavelengths. Using Si iv lines to calibrate the C iv lines in 11 systems, we find $\lambda_{1,2} = 1548$.2049 and $1550.7785\pm0.0012$ Å which is consistent with the Griesmann & Kling (2000) laboratory wavelengths. The precision on the doublet ratio is better because of the large number of C iv systems available for the measurement. This shows that it is possible to perform atomic physics measurements using high redshift astrophysical data.
Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Authors: P. Petitjean, B. Aracil
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1737888242