Abstract
There are now some 15 cataclysmic variables that have been recognised as being of the AM Her type. They are characterised by the presence of variable circular and linear polarisation in the optical and IR spectral regions, approaching 40% in some systems. The polarized radiation has been attributed to high harmonic cyclotron emission from hot (∼ 5 – 30 Kev) plasma located at accretion shocks near the poles of a highly magnetised (∼ 20 – 60 MG) white dwarf primary. There is hope that the study of the rich variety of phenomena exhibited by these systems will eventually enable us to probe the magnetic field structure of the underlying white dwarfs, perhaps even in more detail than has been possible with the isolated magnetic white dwarfs (Wickramasinghe (1987), Schmidt (1987)).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
