Slit spectroscopy of nine new z > 3 southern QSOs: Damped Lyα and Lyman-limit systems

We present FW HM = 5 to 8 Å optical spectra of nine previously unknown quasars (QSOs) drawn from the Calan/Tololo Survey. We have chosen this sample based on QSO redshift, z > 3, and the presence of either candidate damped Lyα (DLA) or Lyman-limit (LL) systems in their spectra. The spectra show at least 9 DLA systems at redshifts 2.25 < z < 3.26, which are identified by the shape and strength of the H i-Lyα absorption line, by the presence of Lyβ and low-ionization metal lines at the same redshift, and - in most cases - by the observed Lyman-break. We thus provide the astronomical community with new interesting targets for high resolution spectroscopy on large telescopes. We describe all the spectra with emphasis on the most outstanding DLA and LL systems found.