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Title: The formation and detection of strongly magnetic white dwarf binaries in globular clusters

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/170221· OSTI ID:5194102
; ;  [1]
  1. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (USA) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bombay (India)

The mechanism for the formation of magnetic cataclysmic variables (MCVs) by the tidal capture of isolated magnetized white dwarfs is discussed, and those globular clusters where the largest number of them are likely to be formed are determined. By performing a statistical analysis of the X-ray emission of known MCVs, in the solar neighborhood, the hard X-ray luminosity functions of the DQ Her and AM Her binaries and the soft X-ray luminosity function of the AM Her binaries are determined. It is found that the DQ Her binaries have a mean hard X-ray luminosity a factor of 10 higher than that for the AM Her binaries. The X-ray fluxes of globular cluster MCVs are estimated for the first time by using a solar neighborhood survey. Those globular clusters which are likely to contain MCVs which may be detectable by means of their X-ray emission are identified. 50 refs.

OSTI ID:
5194102
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal; (United States), Vol. 375; ISSN 0004-637X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English