Spectrophotometric and model-atmosphere analyses of the hot DO and DAO white dwarfs from the Palomar-Green survey

Abstract

Recent optical and spectrophotometric observations of all currently known DAO and DO hot white dwarf candidates from the Palomar-Green Survey are presented. The optical observations were carried out using the Kitt Peak National Observatory Intensified Image Dissector Scanner (IIDS) system, the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT), and two photon-counting Reticon systems. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry was obtained using the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) short-wavelength and long-wavelength cameras. The following spectroscopic subgroups were identified in the observations: the cool DO stars with spectra showing H I features together with He II + H blends; the hot DO stars, with spectra exhibiting weak He II (+H) lines; and hydrogen-rich DAO stars with broad H lines and sharp H II lines at 4686 A. A fourth subgroup of stars resembling PG 1159 with He at He II lines at 4686, and a C, N ion blend in the optical spectrum were also found. The spectroscopic data were analyzed in terms of a grid of hot, high-gravity LTE model atmospheres composed of a mixture of hydrogen and helium, and atmospheric parameters are deduced for each class of objects. On the basis of the model atmosphere analysis, the local space density of the DO stars is estimated to be 1.9-3.0 x 10 to the -7th per cubic pc, depending on the scale height.