Suzaku View of Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables

T Yuasa

doi:10.14311/app.2015.02.0099

Abstract

Results of magnetic cataclysmic variable studies performed with the Suzaku satellite are reviewed in this article. Particular emphasis is placed on the recent update of X-ray spectral model of intermediate polars, possible kinematically redshifted fluorescent Fe K emission lines, and the magnetic CV contribution to the Galactic ridge X-ray emission.

Highlights

Magnetic cataclysmic variables emit hard X-rays from hot plasma with temperatures of 108−9 K contained in the post-shock accretion column on the magnetic pole(s) of a white dwarf
Since the shock temperature depends on the gravitational potential depth, this model contains a MWD/RWD ratio as a free parameter, and by combining the MWD/RWD ratio with a theoretical MWD − RWD ratio, one can estimate MWD and RWD from observed spectra
When the fluorescent line is fitted with two gaussians, one at 6400 eV and the. The authors attributed this red-ward shift to the kinematic Doppler shift caused by reflection from the rapidly falling pre-shock accretion matter, and interpreted that the spin modulation is caused by the changing viewing angle

Summary

Introduction

Magnetic cataclysmic variables emit hard X-rays from hot plasma with temperatures of 108−9 K contained in the post-shock accretion column on the magnetic pole(s) of a white dwarf. Japan’s X-ray observatory satellite Suzaku , providing X-ray CCD coverage below 10 keV and hard X-ray response up to 50 keV with the Si-PIN diode, has been actively observing magnetic CVs, intermediate polars through its initial observation phase to following AO phases. As of 2013, more than 20 intermediate polars have been observed, and main results have been reported in [11], [15], [13], and [3]. We review major results reported in these articles. Emission from hot plasma close to the shock) the apparent He-like and H-like Fe Kα emission line ratios require much cooler plasma temperatures (the model underestimates the He-like Fe Kα line and overestimate the H-like Fe Kα line)

X-Ray Spectral Model of Intermediate Polars

Serendipitous Discoveries

DISCUSSION