Molecular fraction limits in damped Lyman-alpha absorption systems

Abstract

We have used the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) and Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland Association (BIMA) array to search for redshifted millimetre absorption in a sample of damped Lyman-alpha absorption systems (DLAs). This brings the number of published systems searched from 18 to 30. In 17 cases we reach $3\sigma$ limits of $\tau \le 0.1$, which is a significant improvement over the previous searches and more than sufficient to detect the 4 known redshifted millimetre absorbers ($τ\gapp1$). While the CO rotational (millimetre) column density limits obtained are weaker than the electronic (optical) limits, they may provide useful limits below the atmospheric cut-off for the Lyman and Werner \MOLH-bands in the UV ($z_{\rm abs}\lapp1.8$). Using a model for the DLA metallicity evolution combined with assumed HCO${}^{+}$/\MOLH ~and CO/\MOLH conversion ratios, we use the molecular column density limits to calculate plausible \MOLH ~molecular fraction limits. Finally, we use these results to discuss the feasibility of detecting rotational CO transitions in DLAs with the next generation of large radio telescopes.

Accepted by MNRAS Supplement available from http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~sjc/dla-fig2.ps.gz

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• Spectroscopic classification, variability and SED of the Fermi-detected CSS 3C 286: the radio-loudest NLS1 galaxy?
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