ASPCS
 
Back to Volume
Paper: The Soft X-Ray Luminosity Function of Polars
Volume: 157, Annapolis Workshop on Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables
Page: 180
Authors: Barrett, Paul; Singh, Kulinder Pal; Mitchell, Sara
Abstract: The soft X-ray luminosity function of polars is determined from a sample of 37 ROSAT PSPC spectra. We find qualitative agreement with a previous study of the soft X-ray luminosity function using EXOSAT data, but disagree with it quantitatively because of our larger sample and better data. We find the average soft X-ray luminosity to be 3 times 1031 ergs s^{-1}, or about an order of magnitude less than the EXOSAT value. We discuss the implications of this result with respect to X-ray processes, the evolution of magnetic cataclysmic variables, and the dynamics of globular clusters.
Back to Volume