Slit spectroscopy of nine new z > 3 southern QSOs: Damped Ly alpha and Lyman-limit systems

Abstract

We present FWHM = 5 to 8 Angstrom optical spectra of nine previously unknown quasars (QSOs) drawn from the Calan/Tololo Survey. We have chosen this sample based on QSO redshift, z > 3, and the presence of either candidate damped Ly alpha (DLA) or Lyman-limit (LL) systems in their. spectra. The spectra show at least 9 DLA systems at redshifts: 2.25 < z < 3.26, which are identified by the shape and strength of the HI-Ly alpha absorption line, by the presence of Ly beta and low-ionization metal lines at the same redshift, and in most cases: by the observed Lyman-break. We thus provide the astronomical community with new interesting: targets for high resolution spectroscopy oil large telescopes. We describe all the spectra with emphasis on the most outstanding DLA and LL systems: found.