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A standard stellar library for evolutionary synthesis: I. Calibration of theoretical spectra

A comprehensive hybrid library of synthetic stellar spectra based on three original grids of model atmosphere spectra by Kurucz (1995), Fluks et al. (1994), and Bessell et al. (1989, 1991) is presented. The combined library is intended for multiple-purpose synthetic photometry applications and is constructed in order (i) to cover the largest possible ranges in Teff, log g, and [M/H]), (ii) to provide flux spectra with useful resolution on the uniform grid of wavelengths, and (iii) to provide realistic synthetic broad-band colors for the largest possible parameter and wavelength ranges. For each value of the effective temperature and for each wavelength, we calculate the correction function that must be applied to a (theoretical) solar-abundance model flux spectrum which yields synthetic UBVRIJHKL colors matching the (empirical) color-temperature calibrations derived from observations. The calibration algorithm is designed to preserve the original differential grid properties implied by metallicity and/or luminosity changes in the new library. The corresponding color calibration is described in some detail.