A search for molecules in damped Lyman-alpha absorbers occulting millimetre-loud quasars
arXiv:astro-ph/0209175 · doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20021231
Abstract
We have used the SEST 15-metre and Onsala 20-metre telescopes to perform deep (r.m.s. >~ 30 mJy) integrations of various molecular rotational transitions towards damped Lyman-alpha absorption systems (DLAs) known to occult millimetre-loud quasars. We have observed 6 new systems and improved the existing limits for 11 transitions. These limits may be approaching the sensitivities required to detect new systems and we present a small number of candidate systems which we believe warrant further observation.
7 pages, 1 PS figure, 4 tables. Accepted by A&A