H2/HD molecular data for quasar spectra analysis

For this purpose results from astronomical observations are compared with a compilation of molecular data of the highest accuracy, obtained in laboratory studies as well as in first principles calculations. A comprehensive line list is compiled for H_2_ and HD absorption lines in the Lyman (B^1^{Sigma}^+^_u_-X^1^{Sigma}^+^_g_) and Werner (C^1^{Pi}_u_-X^1^{Sigma}^+^_g_) bands systems up to the Lyman cutoff at 912{AA}.

Molecular parameters listed for each line i are the transition wavelength {lambda}_i_, the line oscillator strength f_i_, the radiative damping parameter of the excited state {Gamma}_{i}, and the sensitivity coefficient K_i_ for a variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio. The transition wavelengths {lambda}_i_ for the H_2_ and HD molecules are determined by a variety of advanced high-precision spectroscopic experiments involving narrowband vacuum ultraviolet lasers, Fourier-transform spectrometers and synchrotron radiation sources.