Radio observations of cataclysmic variables have revealed a variety of behaviors. From some systems, we see bright unpolarized radio flares occurring during dwarf nova outbursts, consistent with synchrotron emission from jets. In others, we see highly polarized emission, restricted in frequency, superimposed on a flat-spectrum continuum, suggesting a coherent emission process. Here, we present spectrotemporal analysis of 2-4 GHz and 8-12 GHz Very Large Array observations of six cataclysmic variables. Our results show both broad- and narrowband, highly polarized, variable radio emission. We suggest that this emission is consistent with electron-cyclotron maser emission or plasma radiation. This could be from an isolated emission region in the case of the narrowband emission, or a region with varying magnetic field strength or density in the case of the broadband emission. In one target, V2400 Oph, we see largely unpolarized emission changing on minute timescales, which may coincide with interactions between the white dwarf's magnetosphere and diamagnetic blobs.

AR Scorpii, the so-called white dwarf (WD) pulsar, contains a rapidly rotating magnetic WD ( P _spin = 117.0564 s) interacting with a cool, red dwarf (RD) companion in a 3.56 hr orbit. It is a strong radio source with an inverted spectral index between 1 and 200 GHz that is indicative of synchrotron emission. This paper presents the first submillimeter observations of AR Scorpii using the Submillimeter Array, helping to fill a critical gap in the spectral energy distribution (SED) between 10 and 600 GHz. The average flux densities at 220 and 345 GHz are 124 and 86 mJy, respectively. The lower than expected flux density at 345 GHz suggests a break in the synchrotron emission at about 200 GHz. A periodogram analysis of the 220 GHz observations shows a modulation with an amplitude of ≈6% at a period of 58.26 s or at twice the spin frequency of the WD. This modulation is the first direct detection of the WD spin period at radio frequencies and implies that the synchrotron emission arises near the WD and and not from an interaction with the photosphere of the RD. A fit to the SED shows that the synchrotron emission arises from a small, low-density region with a magnetic field of 43 MG at a distance of 0.6 orbital radii from the WD. This result implies that AR Scorpii contains a weakly magnetic WD (∼15 MG) and not a strongly magnetic WD (∼500 MG) as previously asserted.

We present high-resolution, phase-resolved spectroscopic observations of the polar EF Eri, obtained with SALT and the SAAO 1.9-m telescope during its recent emergence from a three-decade-long low state. The average spectrum shows strong emission from the Balmer lines (H$\alpha$ and H$\beta$) and He ii 4686 & Aring;, along with weaker emission from the He i lines and the Bowen fluorescence (C iii/N iii) blend at 4650 & Aring;. The emission lines redwards of 5500 & Aring; transition to pure absorption at orbital phases $\sim$0.75-0.95, which we attribute to obscuration of the line-emitting region by the accretion stream. Trailed spectra of the emission lines reveal multicomponent structures consistent with other polars. In this first Doppler study of EF Eri, tomograms of the strongest lines (He ii 4686 & Aring; and the Balmer lines), using both the standard and inside-out projections, identify three key emission regions: the irradiated face of the secondary star, the ballistic and threading regions of the accretion stream, and the magnetically confined flow. Our Doppler maps show not only the ballistic stream but also two unambiguous magnetic accretion flows, which is consistent with the presence of multiple magnetic accretion regions.

Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) photometry of the polars AM Herculis (AM Her) and AR Ursae Majoris (AR UMa) is presented, along with high-speed photometry. AM Her shows a variety of high states with frequent transitions between them. TESS photometry of AR UMa in the low state reveals no evidence of accretion, while the McDonald 2.1 m telescope caught AR UMa in its high accretion state. Roche-lobe overflow is shut off during low states of AR UMa, while accretion often still takes place during low states of AM Her. We derive inclinations of 50° and 70° for AM Her and AR UMa respectively. To model the high-state light curves of AM Her, we employ a self-organized map light-curve classification scheme to establish common accretion configurations. The cyclotron radiation properties then allow the production of emission region maps on the surface of the white dwarf. The accretion geometry of AM Her is most consistent with a multipolar field structure. The high-state photometry of AR UMa has stochastic accretion flaring, which we attribute to magnetically buffeted mass transfer through the inner Lagrangian point L1. To consider this possibility, we examine the magnetism of both stars and argue that the local magnetic field near L1 can initiate short-lived accretion events and affect transitions between high and low accretion states in both AM Her and AR UMa. In particular, AR UMa has the low state as its default, while AM Her and most other active polars are in the high state by default.

AE Aqr was until recently the only known magnetic cataclysmic variable (MCV) containing a rapidly spinning (33.08 s) white dwarf (WD). Its radio emission is believed to be a superposition of synchrotron-emitting plasmoids, because it has a positive spectral index spanning three orders of magnitude (≈2–2000 GHz) and is unpolarized. Both characteristics are unusual for MCVs. Recently, Thorstensen has suggested that the cataclysmic variable LAMOST J024048.51+195226.9 (henceforth, J0240+19) is a twin of AE Aqr based on its optical spectra. Optical photometry shows the star to be a high-inclination eclipsing binary with a spin period of 24.93 s, making it the fastest spinning WD. This paper presents three hours of Very Large Array radio observations of J0240+19. These observations show that the persistent radio emission from J0240+19 is dissimilar to that of AE Aqr in that it shows high circular polarization and a negative spectral index. The emission is most similar to that from the nova-like CV V603 Aql. We argue that the radio emission is caused by a superposition of plasmoids emitting plasma radiation or electron cyclotron maser emission from the lower corona of the donor star and not from the magnetosphere near the WD, because the latter site is expected to be modulated at the orbital period of the binary and to show eclipses—of which there is no evidence. The radio source J0240+19, although weak (≲ 1 mJy), is a persistent source in a high-inclination eclipsing binary, making it a good laboratory for studying radio emission from CVs.

We report on the Swift/XRT Deep Galactic Plane Survey discovery and multi-wavelength follow-up observations of a new intermediate polar Cataclysmic Variable, Swift J183920.1-045350. A 449.7 s spin period is found in Xmm-Newton and NuSTAR data, accompanied by a 459.9 s optical period that is most likely the synodic, or beat period, produced from a 5.6 h orbital period. The orbital period is seen with moderate significance in independent long-baseline optical photometry observations with ZTF and SAAO. We find that the source X-ray pulsed fraction decreases with increasing energy. The X-ray spectra are consistent with the presence of an Fe emission line complex with both local and interstellar absorption. In the optical spectra, strong H$α$, H I, He I and He II emission lines are observed, all common features in magnetic CVs. The source properties are thus typical of known intermediate polars, with the exception of its estimated distance of 2.26$^{+1.93}_{-0.83}$ kpc, which is larger than typical, extending the reach of the CV population in our Galaxy.

We report on the Swift/XRT Deep Galactic Plane Survey discovery and multiwavelength follow-up observations of a new intermediate polar (IP) cataclysmic variable, Swift J183920.1-045350. A 449.7 s spin period is found in XMM-Newton and NuSTAR data, accompanied by a 459.9 s optical period that is most likely the synodic, or beat period, produced from a 5.6 hr orbital period. The orbital period is seen with moderate significance in independent long-baseline optical photometry observations taken with the ZTF and SAAO telescopes. We find that the X-ray pulse fraction of the source decreases with increasing energy. The X-ray spectra are consistent with the presence of an Fe emission line complex with both local and interstellar absorption. In the optical spectra, strong Hα, H i, He i, and He ii emission lines are observed, all common features in magnetic CVs. The source properties are thus typical of known IPs, with the exception of its estimated distance of 2.26−0.83+1.93 kpc, which is larger than typical, extending the reach of the CV population in our Galaxy.

The NSF's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is used to observe 122 magnetic cataclysmic variables (MCVs) during three observing semesters (13B, 15A, and 18A). We report radio detections of 33 stars with fluxes in the range 6--8031 uJy. Twenty-eight stars are new radio sources, increasing the number of radio detected MCVs to more that 40. A surprising result is that about three-quarters (24 of 33 stars) of the detections show highly circularly polarized radio emission of short duration, which is characteristic of electron cyclotron maser emission. We argue that this emission originates from the lower corona of the donor star, and not from a region between the two stars. Maser emission enables a more direct estimate of the mean coronal magnetic field of the donor star, which we estimate to be 1--4 kG assuming a magnetic filling factor of 50%. A two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test supports the conclusion that the distribution function of radio detected MCVs with orbital periods between 1.5-5 hours is similar to that of all MCVs. This result implies that rapidly-rotating (Pspin < 10 days), fully convective stars can sustain strong magnetic dynamos. These results support the model of Taam & Spruit (1989) that the change in angular momentum loss across the fully convective boundary at Porb = ~3 hours is due to a change in the magnetic field structure of the donor star from a low-order to high-order multipolar field.

We obtained radio observations of the symbiotic binary and known recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis following a period of increased activity in the optical and X-ray bands. A comparison of our observations with those made prior to 2015 indicates that the system is in a state of higher emission in the radio as well. The spectral energy distributions are consistent with optically thick thermal bremsstrahlung emission from a photoionized source. Our observations indicate that the system was in a state of increased ionization in the companion wind, possibly driven by an increase in accretion rate, with the radio photosphere located well outside the binary system.

The Jansky Very Large Array was used to observe 121 magnetic cataclysmic variables (MCVs). We report radio detections of 18 stars. Thirteen are new radio sources, increasing the number of MCVs that are radio sources by more than twofold, from 8 to 21. Most detections are at 8.7 GHz (X-band) with a lesser number at 5.4 and 21.1 GHz (C- and K-bands). With the exception of AE Aqr, whose flux density is typically >5 mJy, the flux densities are in the range of 24–780 μ Jy. Thirteen of the detections show highly circularly polarized emission, which is characteristic of electron-cyclotron maser emission. The data suggest that MCVs could possibly be divided into two classes of radio emitters: those dominated by weakly polarized gyrosynchrotron emission and those by highly polarized electron-cyclotron maser emission.

We present an online catalog containing spectra and supporting information for cataclysmic variables that have been observed with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). For each object in the catalog we list some of the basic system parameters such as (RA,Dec), period, inclination, white dwarf mass, as well as information on the available FUSE spectra: data ID, observation date and time, and exposure time. In addition, we provide parameters needed for the analysis of the FUSE spectra such as the reddening E(B-V), distance, and state (high, low, intermediate) of the system at the time it was observed. For some of these spectra we have carried out model fits to the continuum with synthetic stellar and/or disk spectra using the codes TLUSTY and SYNSPEC. We provide the parameters obtained from these model fits; this includes the white dwarf temperature, gravity, projected rotational velocity and elemental abundances of C, Si, S and N, together with the disk mass accretion rate, the resulting inclination and model-derived distance (when unknown). For each object one or more figures are provided (as gif files) with line identification and model fit(s) when available. The FUSE spectra as well as the synthetic spectra are directly available for download as ascii tables. References are provided for each object as well as for the model fits. In this article we present 36 objects, and additional ones will be added to the online catalog in the future. In addition to cataclysmic variables, we also include a few related objects, such as a wind accreting white dwarf, a pre-cataclysmic variable and some symbiotics.

We present an analysis of X-ray and UV data obtained with the XMM-Newton Observatory of the long-period dwarf nova RU Peg. RU Peg contains a massive white dwarf (WD), possibly the hottest WD in a dwarf nova (DN), it has a low inclination, thus optimally exposing its X-ray emitting boundary layer (BL), and has an excellent trigonometric parallax distance. We modeled the X-ray data using XSPEC assuming a multi-temperature plasma emission model built from the MEKAL code (i.e., CEVMKL). We obtained a maximum temperature of 31.7 keV, based on the European Photon Imaging Camera MOS1, 2 and pn data, indicating that RU Peg has an X-ray spectrum harder than most DNe, except U Gem. This result is consistent with and indirectly confirms the large mass of the WD in RU Peg. The X-ray luminosity we computed corresponds to a BL luminosity for a mass accretion rate of 2 x 10(-11) M-circle dot yr(-1) (assuming M-wd = 1.3 M-circle dot), in agreement with the expected quiescent accretion rate. The modeling of the O VIII emission line at 19 angstrom as observed by the Reflection Grating Spectrometer implies a projected stellar rotational velocity v(rot) sin i = 695 km s(-1), i.e., the line is emitted from material rotating at similar to 936-1245 km s(-1) (i similar to 34 degrees-48 degrees) or about 1/6 of the Keplerian speed; this velocity is much larger than the rotation speed of the WD inferred from the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer spectrum. Cross-correletion analysis yielded an undelayed (time lag similar to 0) component and a delayed component of 116 +/- 17 s where the X-ray variations/fluctuations lagged the UV variations. This indicates that the UV fluctuations in the inner disk are propagated into the X-ray emitting region in about 116 s. The undelayed component may be related to irradiation effects.

We present a spectral analysis of the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectra of eight high-declination dwarf novae (DNs) obtained from a Cycle 7 FUSE survey. These DN systems have not been previously studied in the UV and little is known about their white dwarfs (WDs) or accretion disks. We carry out the spectral analysis of the FUSE data using synthetic spectra generated with the codes TLUSTY and SYNSPEC. For two faint objects (AQ Men and V433 Ara) we can only assess a lower limit for the WD temperature or mass accretion rate. NSV 10934 was caught in a quiescent state and its spectrum is consistent with a low-mass accretion rate disk. For five objects (HP Nor, DT Aps, AM Cas, FO Per, and ES Dra), we obtain WD temperatures between 34,000 K and 40,000 K and/or mass accretion rates consistent with intermediate to outburst states. These temperatures reflect the heating of the WD due to on-going accretion and are similar to the temperatures of other DNs observed on the rise to, and in decline from outburst. The WD temperatures we obtain should therefore be considered as upper limits, and it is likely that during quiescence AM Cas, FO Per, and ES Dra are near the average WD Teff for catalcysmic variables above the period gap (∼30,000 K), similar to U Gem, SS Aur, and RX And.

We present a spectral analysis of the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectra of the eclipsing double-line spectroscopic binary EM Cygni (EM Cyg), a Z Cam DN system. The FUSE spectrum, obtained in quiescence, consists of four individual exposures (orbits): two exposures, at orbital phases phi similar to 0.65 and phi similar to 0.90, have a lower flux; and two exposures, at orbital phases phi = 0.15 and 0.45, have a relatively higher flux. The change of flux level as a function of the orbital phase is consistent with the stream material (flowing over and below the disk from the hot spot region to smaller radii) partially masking the white dwarf. We carry out a spectral analysis of the FUSE data, obtained at phase 0.45 (when the flux is maximal), using synthetic spectra generated with the codes TLUSTY and SYNSPEC. Using a single white dwarf spectral component, we obtain a white dwarf temperature of 40,000 K +/- 1000 K, rotating at 100 km s(-1). The white dwarf, or conceivably, the material overflowing the disk rim, shows suprasolar abundances of silicon, sulphur, and possibly nitrogen. Using a white dwarf+disk composite model, we obtain that the white dwarf temperature could be even as high as 50,000 K, contributing more than 90% of the FUV flux, and the disk contributing less than 10% must have a mass accretion rate reaching 10(-10) M-circle dot yr(-1). The single white dwarf model fits the absorption lines better than the white dwarf+disk model, but the white dwarf+disk model fits better the continuum in the shorter wavelengths. In both cases, however, we obtain that the white dwarf temperature is much higher than previously estimated. We emphasize the importance of modeling the spectra of EM Cyg around phase phi < 0.5, when the white dwarf and disk are facing the observer, and we suggest that the discrepancy between the present analysis and previous spectral analysis might be due to the occulting effect of the stream veiling the white dwarf and disk.

A $\widetilde{\chi}^2$ analysis of standard model accretion disk synthetic spectrum fits to combined $FUSE$ and STIS spectra of V3885 Sagittarius, on an absolute flux basis, selects a model that accurately represents the observed SED. Calculation of the synthetic spectrum requires the following system parameters. The cataclysmic variable secondary star period-mass relation calibrated by Knigge in 2007 sets the secondary component mass. A mean white dwarf (WD) mass from the same study, that is consistent with an observationally-determined mass ratio, sets the adopted WD mass of $0.7M_{\odot}$, and the WD radius follows from standard theoretical models. The adopted inclination, $i=65{\arcdeg}$, is a literature consensus, and is subsequently supported by $\widetilde{\chi}^2$ analysis. The mass transfer rate is the remaining parameter to set the accretion disk $T_{\rm eff}$ profile, and the $Hipparcos$ parallax constrains that parameter to $\dot{M}=5.0{\pm}2.0{\times}10^{-9} M_{\odot} {\rm yr}^{-1}$ by a comparison with observed spectra. The fit to the observed spectra adopts the contribution of a $57,000{\pm}5000$K WD. The model thus provides realistic constraints on $\dot{M}$ and $T_{\rm eff}$ for a large $\dot{M}$ system above the period gap.

J‐MAPS and Gaia are two asterometry missions to be launched in 2012. The positions of stars brighter than 15 magnitude will be measured to accuracies of better than one milli‐arcsecond and 25 micro‐arcseconds, respectively. Accurate distances ( 3 hr) and gravitational braking for those below the gap (<2 hr). For nova‐like systems, whose luminosity is dominated by the accretion disk and affected by interstellar extinction and reddening, accurate distances can help constrain the ...

We present a synthetic spectral analysis of Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) and Hubble Space Telescope Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (HST STIS) spectra of five dwarf novae above and below the period gap during quiescence. We use our synthetic spectral code, including options for the treatment of the hydrogen quasi-molecular satellite lines (for low-temperature stellar atmospheres), non-LTE (NLTE) approximation (for high-temperature stellar atmospheres), and for one system (RU Peg) we model the interstellar medium (ISM) molecular and atomic hydrogen lines. In all the systems presented here the FUV flux continuum is due to the white dwarf (WD). These spectra also exhibit some broad emission lines. In this work we confirm some of the previous FUV analysis results, but we also present new results. For four systems we combine the FUSE and STIS spectra to cover a larger wavelength range and to improve the spectral fit. This work is part of our broader HST archival research program, in which we aim to provide accurate system parameters for cataclysmic variables above and below the period gap by combining FUSE and HST FUV spectra.

Neither standard model SEDs nor truncated standard model SEDs fit observed spectra of QU Carinae with acceptable accuracy over the range 900-3000 angstrom. Nonstandard model SEDs fit the observation set accurately. The nonstandard accretion disk models have a hot region extending from the white dwarf to R = 1.36R(WD), a narrow intermediate temperature annulus, and an isothermal remainder to the tidal cutoff boundary. The models include a range of M values between 1.0 x 10(-7) and 1.0 x 10(-6) M(circle dot) yr(-1) and limiting values of M(WD) between 0.6 and 1.2 M(circle dot). A solution with M(WD) 1.2M(circle dot) is consistent with an empirical mass-period relation. The set of models agree on a limited range of possible isothermal region T(eff) values between 14,000 and 18,000 K. The model-to-model residuals are so similar that it is not possible to choose a best model. The Hipparcos distance, 610 pc, is representative of the model results. The orbital inclination is between 40 degrees and 60 degrees.

We present an analysis of the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectra of the little-known southern nova-like cataclysmic variable, BB Doradus. The spectrum was obtained as part of our Cycle 8 FUSE survey of high-declination nova-like stars. The FUSE spectrum of BB Dor, observed in a high state, is modeled with an accretion disk with a very low inclination (possibly lower than 10°). Assuming an average white dwarf (WD) mass of 0.8 M☉ leads to a mass accretion rate of 10−9 M☉ yr−1 and a distance on the order of ~650 pc, consistent with the extremely low Galactic reddening in the direction of BB Dor. The spectrum presents some broad and deep silicon and sulfur absorption lines, indicating that these elements are overabundant by 3 and 20 times solar, respectively.