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| Paper: |
New polarimetric observations of the AM Her star RX J1313.2--3259 |
| Volume: |
261, The Physics of Cataclysmic Variables and Related Objects |
| Page: |
135 |
| Authors: |
Buckley, D. A. H.; Potter, S.; van der Heyden, K. J. |
| Abstract: |
We present new polarimetric observations of the AM Her star RX J1313.2--3259. Circular polarisation is modulated over the orbital period with an amplitude of ~10 per cent. A brief reversal in circular polarisation is detected at phase ~0.0 when the main accretion region is seen face on to the observer. We deduce that the main cyclotron emission is absorbed by the accretion shock and/or stream at this phase allowing a second accretion shock, located at the opposite ends of the field lines that feed the main pole, to be seen. Linear polarisation is also detected with possible linear pulses at orbital phases where the accretion region is expected to be on the limb of the white dwarf. The general morphology of the photopolarimetry arises due to a combination of absorption of cyclotron radiation by the accretion shock/stream and projection/cyclotron beaming effects of a main cyclotron emission region. The main cyclotron emission region remains on the visible hemisphere of the white dwarf throughout the orbit. |
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