Multi-spectral study of a new sample of blue compact dwarf galaxies. I. B and R surface photometry of 23 objects from the Byurakan lists

International audienceWe present the first results of the surface photometry of a sample of Blue Compact Dwarf galaxies (hereafter BCDGs). The images were obtained at Pic du Midi (France) and Asiago (Italy). In this paper, we produce an atlas of isophotal maps and brightness distribution profiles for 23 objects in the Northern hemisphere. Short individual descriptions of the galaxies, and tables of photometric parameters are given. The main result is that a substantial fraction of objects are showing an r^\1/4\ brightness distribution, consistently with previous observations. The integral colors, luminosity-radius relations and ''compactness'' properties are briefly investigated. This sample is being extended with new observations, that will be reported in a future paper with a more complete discussion. Based on observations performed at Bernard Lyot Telescope, Pic-du-Midi, operated by Institut National des Sciences de l'Univers, CNRS, and at Cima Ekar telescope, operated by Padova Observatory