The space distribution of the Lyman alpha clouds in the line of sight to the z=3.66 QSO 0055-269

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Abstract
The spectrum of the quasar Q0055-269 (z = 3.66) has been observed at the resolution of 14 km s−1 in the wavelength interval 4750-6300 Å. We give a list of Lyα lines and metal-line systems for which column densities and Doppler widths have been derived by a fitting procedure. The statistical distribution of the Doppler parameter for the Ly α lines is peaked at b≃23 km s−1, with 13 per cent of lines with |$15\le b\le20$| km s−1. The column density distribution of the Lyα lines is described by a power law with a break or cut-off at log |$N_H{_1}\simeq14.5$|⁠. A featureless power-law distribution is rejected with a probability of 99.94 per cent. Significant clustering, with |$\xi\simeq1$| at |$\Delta v=100$| km s−1, is detected only for lines with log |$N_H{_1} \gtrsim13.8$|⁠. In addition, two voids of size ∼ 2000 km s−1 are found in the spectrum with a random probability of 2 × 10−4. From the proximity effect for lines in the interval log |$N_H{_1} =13.3–14.2$|⁠, it is possible to infer a UV ionizing background J = 5 × 10−22 erg s−1 cm−2 Hz−1 sr−1, within a factor of 2 from the integrated quasar contribution.

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