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H2 molecules in damped systems

R. Srianand, P. Petitjean, C. Ledoux

astro-pharXiv:astro-ph/0109155

Abstract

Damped Lyman alpha systems seen in the spectra of high-z QSOs arise in high-density neutral gas in which molecular hydrogen (H2) should be conspicuous. Systematic searches to detect the H2 lines redshifted into the Lyman alpha forest at <3400Åare now possible thanks to the unique capabilities of UVES on the VLT. Here we summarise the present status of our on going programme to search for H2 in DLAs, discuss the physical conditions in the systems where H2 is detected and the implications of non-detections.

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