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A model for the optical high state light curve of AM Herculis

B. T. Gaensicke·A. Fischer·R. Silvotti·D. de Martino
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Abstract

We present a simple quantitative model that can describe the photometric B and V band light curves of AM Herculis obtained during a high state. The double-humped shape of the V band light curve is dominated by cyclotron emission from a region at the main accreting pole with an area of ~5x10e16 cm^2 and sustaining an inflow of ~0.06 g/cm^2/s. The almost unmodulated B band is dominated by emission from the accretion stream. The contribution of the heated white dwarf to the optical emission is small in the B band, but comparable to that of the accretion stream in the V band. The emission of the secondary star is negligible both in B and in V.

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B. T. Gaensicke, A. Fischer, R. Silvotti, D. de Martino. 2001-04-10. A model for the optical high state light curve of AM Herculis. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361%3A20010522

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