Line Density Indice as an alternative to MK process

TL;DR

This paper introduces the Line Density Index as a simple, calibration-independent method for classifying dwarf stars later than F0 by analyzing the density of absorption lines in their spectra.

Contribution

It proposes a novel spectral classification technique based on line density, avoiding the need for high resolution, high S/N data, or extensive spectral libraries.

Findings

A correlation between line density and spectral type was established.

The method is independent of calibration, resolution, and noise levels.

It offers a straightforward alternative to the MK classification process.

Abstract

73 broadband optical spectra of dwarf stars later than F0 have been obtained from the Nearby Stars Project website. The number of absorption lines is computed for each spectrum between 6000 and 6200 Angstrom. A correlation is found between the density of lines K$\lambda$ and the spectral type. This method is independent of calibration process, does not require high resolution or high signal to noise data and does not make use of a large library of standard spectra.