A spectroscopic search for non-radial pulsations in the δ Scuti star γ Bootis

High-resolution spectroscopic observations of the rapidly rotating delta Scuti star gamma Bootis have been carried out in 2005, over six consecutive nights, in order to search for line-profile variability. Time-series, consisting of flux measurements at each wavelength bin across the Ti II 4571.917 angstrom line profile as a function of time, have been Fourier analysed. The results confirm the early detection reported by Kennelly et al. of a dominant periodic component at frequency 21.28 cycles d(-1) in the observer's frame, probably due to a high-azimuthal-order sectorial mode. Moreover, we found other periodicities at 5.06, 12.02 cycles d(-1), probably present but not secure, and at 11.70 and 18.09 cycles d(-1), uncertain. The latter frequency, if present, should be identifiable as another high-azimuthal-order sectorial mode and the three additional terms as low-l modes as proved by the analysis of the first three moments of the line. Owing to the short time baseline and the one-site temporal sampling we consider our results only preliminary but encouraging for a more extensive multisite campaign. A refinement of the atmospheric physical parameters of the star has been obtained from our spectroscopic data and adopted for preliminary computations of evolutionary models of gamma Bootis.