Plasma Diagnostics in High Resolution X-Ray Spectra of Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables
Using the Chandra HETG spectrum of EX Hya as an example, we discuss some of the plasma diagnostics available in high-resolution X-ray spectra of magnetic cataclysmic variables. Specifically, for conditions appropriate to collisional ionization equilibrium plasmas, we discuss the temperature dependence of the H- to He-like line intensity ratios and the density and photoexcitation dependence of the He-like R line ratios and the Fe XVII I(17.10 {angstrom})/I(17.05 {angstrom}) line ratio. We show that the plasma temperature in EX Hya spans the range from {approx}0.5 to {approx}10 keV and that the plasma density n {ge} 2 x 10{sup 14} cm{sup -3}, orders of magnitude greater than that observed in the Sun or other late-type stars.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 15006081
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-145738; TRN: US200405%%173
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: The Physics of Cataclysmic Variables and Related Objects, Gottingen (DE), 08/06/2001--08/10/2001; Other Information: PBD: 2 Oct 2001
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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