The LickX spectra

Abstract

Context. Collections of stellar spectra, often called stellar libraries, are useful in a variety of applications in the field of stellar populations. Aims. This is an attempt to improve the much-used Lick library of stellar spectra by removing jitter from the wavelength scale via cross-correlation, and calling the result the LickX library. Methods. Each spectrum was cross-correlated with a template spectrum and a new wavelength solution sought. Low-order polynomials were fit to adjust the old scale to a new fit. Indices were measured, new standard star averages found, and adjusted averages derived for the program stars. Results. The greatest gains in accuracy are expected for the fainter stars and stars of extreme surface temperatures; the bright K giant standard stars in LickX have the same uncertainties as Lick. The spectra and a table of index measurements in which repeated measurements are averaged are made available electronically. © 2013 ESO.