Line-profile variations of stochastically excited oscillations in four evolved stars

Context. Since solar-like oscillations were first detected in red-giant stars, the presence of non-radial oscillation modes has been debated. Spectroscopic line-profile analysis was used in the first attempt to perform mode identification, which revealed that non-radial modes are observable. Despite the fact that the presence of non-radial modes could be confirmed, the degree or azimuthal order could not be uniquely identified. Here we present an improvement to this first spectroscopic line-profile analysis. Aims. We aim to study line-profile variations in stochastically excited solar-like oscillations of four evolved stars to derive the azimuthal order of the observed mode and the surface rotational frequency. Methods. Spectroscopic line-profile analysis is applied to cross-correlation functions, using the Fourier parameter fit method on the amplitude and phase distributions across the profiles. Results. For four evolved stars, beta Hydri (G2IV), epsilon Ophiuchi (G9.5III), eta Serpentis (K0III) and delta Eridani (K0IV) the line-profile variations reveal the azimuthal order of the oscillations with an accuracy of +/- 1. Furthermore, our analysis reveals the projected rotational velocity and the inclination angle. From these parameters we obtain the surface rotational frequency. Conclusions. We conclude that line-profile variations in cross-correlation functions behave differently for different frequencies and provide additional information about the surface rotational frequency and azimuthal order.