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The precision of line position measurements of unresolved
quasar absorption lines and its influence on the search for variations of fundamental
constants
Aims. Optical quasar spectra can be used to trace variations of the
fine-structure constant α. Controversial results that have been published
in past years suggest that in addition to to wavelength calibration problems systematic
errors might arise because of insufficient spectral resolution. The aim of this work is to
estimate the impact of incorrect line decompositions in fitting procedures due to
asymmetric line profiles. Methods are developed to distinguish between different sources
of line position shifts and thus to minimize error sources in future work.
Methods. To simulate asymmetric line profiles, two different methods
were used. At first the profile was created as an unresolved blend of narrow lines and
then, the profile was created using a macroscopic velocity field of the absorbing medium.
The simulated spectra were analysed with standard methods to search for apparent shifts of
line positions that would mimic a variation of fundamental constants. Differences between
position shifts due to an incorrect line decomposition and a real variation of constants
were probed using methods that have been newly developed or adapted for this kind of
analysis. The results were then applied to real data.
Results. Apparent relative velocity shifts of several hundred meters per
second are found in the analysis of simulated spectra with asymmetric line profiles. It
was found that each system has to be analysed in detail to distinguish between different
sources of line position shifts. A set of 16 Fe i
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