Selective gravitational microlensing and line profile variations in the BAL quasar H 1413+117

In order to interpret the spectral differences observed between the four images of the gravitationally lensed broad absorption line (BAL) quasar H 1413+117, we have investigated the effect on the line profiles of the selective magnification of individual BAL clouds by gravitational microlenses. Since microlenses magnify both the selected cloud and the whole BAL region, this effect is only differential, and general constraints on its capability to produce spectral variations have been derived. Considering simple but realistic models for the microlenses, we find that the selective magnification of a relatively large optically thick BAL cloud can be at the origin of the spectral differences reported between the components of H 1413+117. However, a very precise configuration is needed: the magnified cloud must be at the border of the BAL region which must itself partially lie in a region of strong de-magnification. The fine tuning of the parameters mecessary to reproduce the observations either seriously questions this kind of interpretation or puts strong constraints on the lensing models. Another interpretation of the observed line profile differences in terms of effects due to microlensing is also briefly discussed.