High-resolution UVES/VLT spectra of white dwarfs observed for the ESO SN Ia progenitor survey (SPY). I.

We have started a large survey for radial velocity variations in white dwar fs (PI R. Napiwotzki) with the aim of finding close double degenerates, whi ch could be precursor systems for SNe Ia. The UVES spectrograph at the ESO VLT is used to obtain high resolution spectra with good S/N. During this pr oject 1500 white dwarfs will be observed. This unique data set will also al low to derive atmospheric parameters and masses for the largest sample of w hite dwarfs ever analyzed in a homogenous way. In this paper we present a c atalog of objects and report results for the first sample of about 200 whit e dwarfs, many of which are spectroscopic confirmations of candidates from the HE, MCT, and EC surveys. Among the peculiar spectra we identify two new magnetic DA, one previously known magnetic DA, several DA with emission co res, in some cases due to a late-type companion, and two new DBA.