Algorithm for removing secondary lines blended with Balmer lines in synthetic spectra of massive stars

TL;DR

This paper presents an algorithm integrated into FITspec that automatically identifies and removes secondary spectral lines blended with Balmer lines in synthetic spectra of massive stars, enabling more accurate equivalent width measurements.

Contribution

The novel algorithm automates the removal of secondary lines in synthetic spectra, improving the accuracy of spectral analysis in massive star models.

Findings

Average error in equivalent width measurement is 5%

Algorithm enhances automatic spectral fitting accuracy

Integrated into the FITspec code

Abstract

In order to measure automatically the equivalent width of the Balmer lines in a database of 40,000 atmosphere models, we have developed a program that mimics the work of an astronomer in terms of identifying and eliminating secondary spectral lines mixed with the Balmer lines. The equivalent widths measured have average errors of 5 percent, which makes them very reliable. As part of the FITspec code, this program improves the automatic adjustment of an atmosphere model to the observed spectrum of a massive star.