High-resolution optical spectroscopy of the sharp-lined B-type star HD 83206

Very-high-resolution (R similar to 160 000) spectroscopic observations are presented for the early B-type star, HD 83206. Because it has very sharp metal lines, this star affords an opportunity to test theories of model atmospheres and line formation. Non-LTE model atmosphere calculations have been used to estimate the atmospheric parameters and absolute metal abundances (C, N, O, Mg and Si); an LTE analysis was also undertaken to investigate the validity of this simpler approach and to estimate an iron abundance. For the non-LTE calculations, there is excellent agreement with observations of the Balmer lines H alpha and H delta and the lines of Si II and Si III for atmospheric parameters of T-eff similar or equal to 21 700 +/- 600 K and log g similar or equal to 4.00 +/- 0.15 dex. The agreement is less convincing for the LTE calculations, and a higher gravity is deduced. Careful comparison of the metal line profiles with non-LTE calculations implies that the projected rotational and microturbulent velocities have maximum values of similar or equal to 5 and similar or equal to 2 km s(-1), respectively. The latter value is smaller than has often been adopted in LTE model atmosphere analyses of main-sequence stars. Non-LTE absolute metal abundances are estimated, and a comparison with those for normal B-type stars (deduced using similar non-LTE techniques) shows no significant differences. A comparison of the abundances deduced using non-LTE and LTE calculations implies systematic differences of 0.1-0.2 dex, showing the importance of using a non-LTE approach when accurate absolute abundances are required. Its location in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and normal metal abundance lead us to conclude that HD 83206 is probably a main-sequence B-type star. As such, it is among the sharpest-lined young B-type star discovered to date.