Assessment of the precision, bias and numerical correlation of fitted parameters obtained by multi-spectrum fits of the Hartmann-Tran line profile to simulated absorption spectra

•This work explores the uncertainty with which line shape parameters can be obtained from constrained multi-spectrum fits of spectra simulated with the Hartmann-Tran profile, varying uncertainty levels in the spectrum detuning and absorption axes, and spanning a range of sampling density, pressure, and line shape parameter values.•The analysis focuses on how noise-limited measurement precision of frequency detuning and absorption drive statistical uncertainties in fitted parameters and numerical correlations between these quantities.•The analysis also quantifies the degree of equivalence between the full Hartmann-Tran profile and those derived from it in terms of fitted peak areas and line shape parameters.•A new open-source software package named Multi-spectrum Analysis Tool for Spectroscopy (MATS) is introduced which allows users to explore the limits of the Hartmann-Tran profile under actual experimental or user-defined conditions.