IRTF spectral indices for giant stars

We used existing and new spectra obtained at resolution power R=2000 with SpeX on the IRTF telescope. While a large CO equivalent width (EW), at 2.29{mu}m ([CO,2.29]>~45{AA}) is a typical signature of RSGs later than spectral type M0, [CO] of K-type RSGs and giants are similar.

In the [CO,2.29] versus [MgI,1.71] diagram, RSGs of all spectral types can be distinguished from red giants because the MgI line weakens with increasing temperature and decreasing gravity. We find several lines that vary with luminosity, but not temperature: SiI (1.59{mu}m), Sr (1.033{mu}m), Fe+Cr+Si+CN (1.16{mu}m), Fe+Ti (1.185{mu}m), Fe+Ti (1.196{mu}m), Ti+Ca (1.28{mu}m), and Mn (1.29{mu}m). Good markers of CN enhancement are the Fe+Si+CN line at 1.087{mu}m and CN line at 1.093{mu}m.