arXiv subjects

R. Michel

Publications and source records attributed to R. Michel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Optical Design of OPTICAM-ARG: A Three-Channel High-Time-Resolution Camera for the Jorge Sahade Telescope

We present the optical design of OPTICAM-ARG, a multi-channel instrument for the simultaneous acquisition of images in three spectral bands at the Cassegrain focus of an f/8.5 telescope, covering the 0.35 to 1.00 um wavelength range. The converging beam delivered by the telescope is spectrally separated by two dichroics into three channels, blue, green, and red, each incorporating a dedicated three-lens focal reducer, an interchangeable SDSS filter stage, and an sCMOS detector. The focal reducers establish an effective focal length of approximately 9.1 m, a uniform plate scale of 22.6 arcsec/mm, and a field of view of 8.4 arcmin x 8.4 arcmin per channel, consistent with the typical seeing conditions at the site. Operation of the dichroics in a converging beam introduces off-axis aberrations, which are mitigated through wedge angles applied to their second surface and optimized as part of the global design. Optical performance is assessed through exact ray tracing using RMS spot radii and encircled energy metrics, with EE50 values further expressed in terms of an equivalent FWHM to enable direct comparison with atmospheric seeing and to evaluate sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances.

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arXiv2025

The variable stars in the compact halo globular cluster NGC 5634 visited again

We present new time-series CCD \emph{VR} photometry of the globular cluster NGC 5634. We aim to use the known RR Lyrae stars, members of the cluster, as indicators of mean metallicity and distance. Accurate coordinates, periods and an identification chart of the variables in the field of our images are provided. A membership analysis was performed, based on $Gaia$-DR3 proper motions, for 3525 point sources within 15 arcmin from the cluster center. The membership status for each known variable was established and it was found that V10, V11 and V16 are most likely field stars. The variability of the RRab star V7, considered non-variable for a number of years, is demonstrated. Via the Fourier decomposition of the light curves of cluster member RR Lyrae, the mean metallicity and distance were calculated independently from RRab and RRc stars to find [Fe/H]$_{\rm ZW}= -1.67 \pm 0.11$ y $D=23.9 \pm 0.8$ kpc, and [Fe/H]$_{\rm ZW}= -1.69 \pm 0.22$ y $D=22.9 \pm 1.0$ kpc respectively.

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arXiv2025

MASTER OT J072007.30+451611.6: A Polar with Strong Optical Variability and Suppressed He II Emission

The transient optical source MASTER OT J072007.30+451611.6 has been recently discovered and proposed as a peculiar polar with an unusually high amplitude of the orbital brightness variation in the optical of $\sim$3 mag. To clarify its nature, we performed multiband time-series optical photometry with 1.5-m class telescopes and spectroscopy with the 10.4-m Gran Telescopio Canarias. We also analysed archival data of different optical surveys and detected the source in X-rays with the Spectrum-RG/eROSITA telescope. We confirm the orbital period of $\approx$1.5 h with the high amplitude of the brightness modulation. Compiling survey data, covering $\sim$19 yr, we find high and low brightness states of the object at time scales of years, likely explained by different accretion rates. Our data were obtained in the high brightness state. Optical spectra with hydrogen and helium emission lines, consisting of broad and narrow components, indicate the presence of an accretion stream without disk. The Doppler tomography shows that the narrow component is mainly emitted from the Lagrangian L$_1$ point, while the broad component is from the region where the accretion stream interacts with the white dwarf magnetosphere. The ratio of equivalent widths of HeII 4686 and H$\beta$ emission lines is $<$0.4, which is curiously low for polars. The X-ray spectrum of the source can be described by the thermal plasma emission model with parameters consistent with values observed for polars.

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arXiv2025

DW Cnc: a micronova with a negative superhump and a flickering spin

Magnetic accreting white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables have been known to show bursts driven by different physical mechanisms; however, the burst occurrence is much rarer than in their non-magnetic counterparts. DW Cnc is a well-studied intermediate polar that showed a burst with a 4-magnitude amplitude in 2007. Here we report on a recent burst in DW Cnc observed by ASAS-SN that reached a peak luminosity of 6.6 $\times$ 10$^{33}$ erg~s$^{-1}$, another 4 mag increase from its quiescent high state level. The released energy of the burst suggests that these are micronovae, a distinctive type of burst seen in magnetic systems that may be caused by a thermonuclear runaway in the confined accretion flow. Only a handful of systems, most of them intermediate polars, have a reported micronova bursts. We also report on the reappearance of the negative superhump of DW~Cnc as shown by TESS and OPTICAM data after the system emerges from its low state and immediately before the burst. We further report on a new phenomenon, where the spin signal turns "on" and "off" on the precession period associated with the negative superhump, which may indicate pole flipping. The new classification of DW Cnc as a micronova as well as the spin variability show the importance of both monitoring known micronova systems and systematic searches for more similar bursts, to limit reliance on serendipitous discoveries.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Bridging the Gap: OPTICAM Reveals the Hidden Spin of the WZ Sge Star GOTO 065054.49+593624.51

WZ Sge stars are highly evolved accreting white dwarf systems (AWDs) exhibiting remarkably large amplitude outbursts (a.k.a. super-outbursts), typically followed by short rebrightenings/echo outbursts. These systems have some of the lowest mass transfer rates among AWDs, making even low magnetic fields dynamically important. Such magnetic fields are often invoked to explain the phenomenology observed in these systems, such as their X-ray luminosity and long periods of quiescence (30+ years). However, the detection of these is very elusive given the quenching of the accretion columns during outburst and the low luminosity of these systems during quiescence. Here we present high-cadence multi-band observations with {\it OPTICAM} of the recent outburst of the recently discovered WZ Sge star GOTO065054.49+593624.51, during the end of the main outburst and the dip in-between rebrightenings, covering 2 orders of magnitude in brightness. Our observations reveal the presence of a statistically significant signal with $P_{\omega}\simeq148$ seconds in the bluer ($g$) band which is detected only during the dip between the main outburst and the rebrigthenings. We interpret this signal as the spin period of the AWD. If confirmed, GOTO 0650 would bridge the gap between intermediate- and fast-rotating intermediate polars (IPs) below the period gap.

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arXiv2023

The origin of the planetary nebula M 1-16. A morphokinematic and chemical analysis

We investigated the origin of the Planetary Nebula (PN) M 1-16 using narrow-band optical imaging, and high- and low-resolution optical spectra to perform a detailed morpho-kinematic and chemical studies. M 1-16 is revealed to be a multipolar PN that predominantly emits in [O III] in the inner part of the nebula and [N II] in the lobes. A novel spectral unsharp masking technique was applied to the position-velocity (PV) maps to reveal a set of multiple structures at the centre of M 1-16 spanning radial velocities from $-$40km$\,$s$^{-1}$ to 20km$\,$s$^{-1}$, with respect to the systemic velocity. The morpho-kinematic model indicates that the deprojected velocity of the lobe outflows are $\geq$100km$\,$s$^{-1}$, and particularly the larger lobes and knots have a deprojected velocity of $\simeq$350km$\,$s$^{-1}$; the inner ellipsoidal component has a deprojected velocity of $\simeq$29km$\,$s$^{-1}$. A kinematical age of $\sim$8700yr has been obtained from the model assuming a homologous velocity expansion law and a distance of 6.2$\pm$1.9kpc. The chemical analysis indicates that M 1-16 is a Type I PN with a central star of PN (CSPN) mass in the range of $\simeq$0.618-0.713M$_\odot$ and an initial mass for the progenitor star between 2.0 and 3.0M$_\odot$ (depending on metallicity). An $T_\mathrm{eff}\simeq$140$\,$000K and log$(L/L_{\odot})$=2.3 was estimated using the 3MdB photoionisation models to reproduce the ionisation stage of the PN. All of these results have led us to suggest that M 1-16 is an evolved PN, contrary to the scenario of proto-PN suggested in previous studies. We propose that the mechanism responsible for the morphology of M 1-16 is related to the binary (or multiple star) evolution scenario.

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arXiv2021

New Photometry and Spectroscopy of DW Cnc

We present new observations of the cataclysmic variable DW Cancri, after the system recovered from a low state. We performed a power spectrum analysis that reveals a clear signal of the 38 min spin period in our photometric data. Our spectroscopic power spectrum search was consistent with studies performed before the low state, showing the orbital and spin modulations. We also conducted a Doppler Tomography study which exhibits a disc structure and an enhanced emission region, possibly related to a hot spot component. Through a wavelet transform analysis we also found evidence of the 70 min spin-orbit beat period. We interpret these results as indication of a partial recovery of the system. Nonetheless, DW Cnc does not yet show all the original photometric modulations reported in 2004, before experiencing the low state. Namely, these signals are a 38 min spin period, an 86 min orbital period, a 70 min beat period between the latter modulations, and an unresolved 110 min period. Even though our photometry shows a spin cycle modulation and a long 108 min period, it lacks the beat and orbital period signals. Thus, we propose further observations of DW Cancri, to elucidate if the mechanisms giving rise to the signatures observed prior to the low state, require more time to reactivate.

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arXiv2020

New radial velocity observations of AH Her: evidence for material outside the tidal radius

Spectroscopic observations of AH Herculis during a deep quiescent state are put forward. We found the object in a rare long minima, allowing us to derive accurately the semi-amplitudes: $K_1 =121 \pm \, 4$ \kms\ and $K_2 =152 \pm 2$ \kms\ and its mass functions $M_W{ \sin }^{ 3 }i=0.30 \pm 0.01$ M$_{\odot}$ and $M_R{ \sin }^{ 3 }i=0.24 \pm 0.02$ M$_{\odot}$, while its binary separation is given by $a \sin i =1.39 \pm 0.02$~R$_{\odot}$. The orbital period $P_{orb}$~=~ 0.25812~$\pm~0.00032$~days was found from a power spectrum analysis of the radial velocities of the secondary star. These values are consistent with those determined by \citet{Horne:1986}. Our observations indicate that K5 is the most likely spectral type of the secondary. We discuss why we favour the assumption that the donor in AH Her is a slightly evolved star, in which case we find that the best solution for the inclination yields $i = 48^\circ \pm 2^\circ$. Nonetheless, should the donor be a ZAMS star, we obtain that the inclination is between $ i = 43^\circ$ and $i = 44^\circ$. We also present Doppler tomography of H$α$ and H$β$, and found that the emission in both lines is concentrated in a large asymmetric region at low velocities, but at an opposite position to the secondary star, outside the tidal radius and therefore at an unstable position. We also analyse the H$α$ and H$β$ line profiles, which show a single broad peak and compare it with the previous quiescent state study which shows a double-peaked profile, providing evidence for its transient nature.

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arXiv2019

Photometric light curve solutions of three ultra-short period eclipsing binaries

We present the results of our study of the eclipsing binary systems CSS J112237.1+395219, LINEAR 1286561 and LINEAR 2602707 based on new CCD $B$, $V$, $R_c$ and $I_c$ complete light curves. The ultra-short period nature of the stars \citep{Drake2014} is confirmed and the system's periods are revised. The light curves were modelled using the 2005 version of the Wilson-Devinney code. When necessary, cool spots on the surface of the primary component were introduced to account for asymmetries in the light curves. As a result, we found that CSS J112237.1+395219 is a W UMa type contact binary system belonging to W subclass with a mass ratio of $q=1.61$ and a shallow degree of contact of 14.8\% where the primary component is hotter than the secondary one by $500K$. LINEAR 1286561 and LINEAR 2602707 are detached binary systems with mass ratios $q=3.467$ and $q=0.987$ respectively. These detached systems are low-mass M-type eclipsing binaries of similar temperatures. The marginal contact, the fill-out factor and the temperature difference between components of CSS J112237.1+395219 suggest that this system may be at a key evolutionary state predicted by the Thermal Relaxation Oscillation theory (TRO). From the estimated absolute parameters we conclude that our systems share common properties with others ultra-short period binaries.

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arXiv2019

Investigating the multiwavelength behaviour of the flat spectrum radio quasar CTA 102 during 2013-2017

We present a multiwavelength study of the flat-spectrum radio quasar CTA 102 during 2013-2017. We use radio-to-optical data obtained by the Whole Earth Blazar Telescope, 15 GHz data from the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, 91 and 103 GHz data from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, near-infrared data from the Rapid Eye Monitor telescope, as well as data from the Swift (optical-UV and X-rays) and Fermi ($γ$ rays) satellites to study flux and spectral variability and the correlation between flux changes at different wavelengths. Unprecedented $γ$-ray flaring activity was observed during 2016 November-2017 February, with four major outbursts. A peak flux of (2158 $\pm$ 63)$\times$10$^{-8}$ ph cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$, corresponding to a luminosity of (2.2 $\pm$ 0.1)$\times$10$^{50}$ erg s$^{-1}$, was reached on 2016 December 28. These four $γ$-ray outbursts have corresponding events in the near-infrared, optical, and UV bands, with the peaks observed at the same time. A general agreement between X-ray and $γ$-ray activity is found. The $γ$-ray flux variations show a general, strong correlation with the optical ones with no time lag between the two bands and a comparable variability amplitude. This $γ$-ray/optical relationship is in agreement with the geometrical model that has successfully explained the low-energy flux and spectral behaviour, suggesting that the long-term flux variations are mainly due to changes in the Doppler factor produced by variations of the viewing angle of the emitting regions. The difference in behaviour between radio and higher energy emission would be ascribed to different viewing angles of the jet regions producing their emission.

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arXiv2019

OPTICAM: A triple-camera optical system designed to explore the fastest timescales in Astronomy

We report the development of a high-time resolution, 3-colour, simultaneous optical imaging system for the 2.1 m telescope in San Pedro Mártir Observatory, México. OPTICAM will be equipped with three Andor Zyla 4.2-Plus sCMOS cameras and a set of SDSS filters allowing optical coverage in the 320-1,100 nm range. OPTICAM will nominally allow sub-second exposures. Given its instrumental design, a wide range of fast-variability astrophysical sources can be targeted with OPTICAM including X-ray binaries, pulsating white dwarfs, accreting compact objects, eclipsing binaries and exoplanets. OPTICAM observations will be proprietary for only six months and will then be made publicly available for the astronomical community.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2019

Precise determination of stellar parameters of the ZZ Ceti and DAZ white dwarf GD 133 through asteroseismology

An increasing number of white dwarf stars show atmospheric chemical composition polluted by heavy elements accreted from debris disk material. The existence of such debris disks strongly suggests the presence of one or more planet(s) whose gravitational interaction with rocky planetesimals is responsible for their disruption by tidal effect. The ZZ Ceti pulsator and polluted DAZ white dwarf GD 133 is a good candidate for searching for such a potential planet. We started in 2011 a photometric follow-up of its pulsations. As a result of this work in progress, we used the data gathered from 2011 to 2015 to make an asteroseismological analysis of GD 133, providing the star parameters from a best fit model with $M$/$M_{\odot}$ = 0.630 $\pm$ 0.002, $T_{\rm eff}$ = 12400 K $\pm$ 70 K, log($M_{\rm He}/M$) = -2.00 $\pm$ 0.02, log($M_{\rm H}/M$) = -4.50 $\pm$ 0.02 and determining a rotation period of $\approx$ 7 days.

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arXiv2019

From outburst to quiescence: spectroscopic evolution of V1838 Aql imbedded in a bow-shock nebula

We analyse new optical spectroscopic, direct-image and X-ray observations of the recently discovered a high proper motion cataclysmic variable V1838 Aql. The data were obtained during its 2013 superoutburst and its subsequent quiescent state. An extended emission around the source was observed up to 30 days after the peak of the superoutburst, interpreted it as a bow--shock formed by a quasi-continuous outflow from the source in quiescence. The head of the bow--shock is coincident with the high--proper motion vector of the source ($v_{\perp}=123\pm5$ km s$^{-1}$) at a distance of $d=202\pm7$ pc. The object was detected as a weak X-ray source ($0.015\pm0.002$ counts s$^{-1}$) in the plateau of the superoutburst, and its flux lowered by two times in quiescence (0.007$\pm$0.002 counts s$^{-1}$). Spectroscopic observations in quiescence we confirmed the orbital period value $P_{\rm{orb}}=0.0545\pm 0.0026$ days, consistent with early-superhump estimates, and the following orbital parameters: $γ= -21\pm3$ km s$^{-1}$ and $K_1 = 53\pm3$ km s$^{-1}$. The white dwarf is revealed as the system approaches quiescence, which enables us to infer the effective temperature of the primary $T_{eff}=11,600\pm400$K. The donor temperature is estimated $\lesssim 2200$K and suggestive of a system approaching the period minimum. Doppler maps in quiescence show the presence of the hot spot in HeI line at the expected accretion disc-stream shock position and an unusual structure of the accretion disc in H$α$.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Photometric investigation and orbital period analyses of the W UMa binaries FP Lyn, FV CVn and V354 UMa

New light curves and photometric solutions of FP Lyn, FV CVn and V354 UMa are presented. It is found that these three systems are W-subtype shallow contact binaries. In addition, it is obvious that the light curves of FP Lyn and V354 UMa are asymmetric. Therefore, a hot spot was added on the primary star of FP Lyn and a dark spot was added on the secondary star of V354 UMa. At the same time, we added a third light to the photometric solution of FP Lyn for the final result. The obtained mass ratios and fill-out factors are $q=1.153$ and $f=13.4\%$ for FP Lyn, $q=1.075$ and $f=4.6\%$ for FV CVn, $q=3.623$ and $f=10.7\%$ for V354 UMa. The investigations of orbital period of these three systems indicate that the periods are variable. FP Lyn and V354 UMa were discovered existing the secular increase component with a rate of $dp/dt=4.19\times10^{-7}$ d yr$^{-1}$ and $dp/dt=7.70\times10^{-7}$ d yr$^{-1}$ respectively, which are feasibly caused by the conservative mass transfer from the less massive component to the more massive component. In addition, some variable components were discovered for FV CVn, which is a rate of $dp/dt=-1.13\times10^{-6}$ d yr$^{-1}$ accompanied by a cyclic oscillation with amplitude and period of 0.0069 days and 10.65 yr. The most likely explanation for the long-term decrease is angular momentum loss. And the existence of an additional component is the most plausible explanation for the periodic variation.

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arXiv2018

Extensive Photometry of V1838 Aql during the 2013 Superoutburst

We present an in-depth photometric study of the 2013 superoutburst of the recently discovered cataclysmic variable V1838 Aql and subsequent photometry near its quiescent state. A careful examination of the development of the superhumps is presented. Our best determination of the orbital period is Porb = 0.05698(9) days, based on the periodicity of early superhumps. Comparing the superhump periods at stages A and B with the early superhump value we derive a period excess of ε = 0.024(2) and a mass ratio of q = 0.10(1). We suggest that V1838 Aql is approaching the orbital period minimum and thus has a low-mass star as a donor instead of a sub-stellar object.

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arXiv2018

Physical parameters of RR Lyrae stars in NGC 6171

We present an analysis of VI CCD time-series photometry of the globular cluster NGC 6171. The main goal is to determine individual physical parameters for single-mode RR Lyrae stars present in the field of view of our images, by means of light curve Fourier decomposition and well-established calibrations and zero-points. This leads to the estimation of the mean values of the metallicity and distance for the parental cluster. From the RRab stars we find [Fe/H]ZW = -1.33 +- 0.12 and a distance d = 5.3 +- 0.3 kpc and from the RRc stars we find [Fe/H]ZW = -1.02 +- 0.19 and a distance d = 5.3 +- 0.2 kpc. Independent methods, such as the P-L relations for RRab and SX Phe stars enable the estimation of a weighted average distance to the cluster of 5.4 +- 0.1 kpc. We confirm the amplitude modulations of the Blazhko type of five RRab and the non-membership of V21 to the cluster. The colour-magnitude diagram is consistent with an age of 11 Gyrs. The distribution of RRab and RRc stars seems well segregated around the first overtone red edge of the instability strip. This positions NGC 6171 among OoI type clusters where the pulsating modes are neatly separated in the HB. We report two new irregular variables of the Lb type.

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arXiv2018

Photometric and spectroscopic observations of the neglected near-contact binary Cl* Melotte 111 AV 1224

This paper presents a photometric and spectroscopic study of the short-period binary star Cl*~Melotte~111~AV~1224. Measurements in the $B$, $V$, and $R$ passbands obtained during three observing runs between 2014 and 2017 and medium-resolution spectra secured in 2014, are analyzed together with public data from the SuperWASP and LAMOST projects. Our light curves show marked asymmetry with a variable O'Connell effect. The SuperWASP photometry is used to derive a mean binary period of 0.345225 days. The analysis of the $(O-C)$ diagram reveals that the orbital period is decreasing at a rate of $dP/dt = -3.87 \times 10^{-6}$ days yr$^{-1}$, which may be caused by mass transfer from the more-massive component to the less-massive one. The system is found to be a single-lined spectroscopic binary with a systemic velocity, $γ= 1 \pm 3$ Km s$^{-1}$, and a semi-amplitude, K$_{1}$ = 21 $\pm$ 5 Km s$^{-1}$. The spectral classification and the effective temperature of the primary component are estimated to be K0V $\pm$ 1 and $5200 \pm 150$ K, respectively. The photometric and spectroscopic solutions reveal that Cl*~Melotte~111~AV~1224 is a low-mass ratio ($q=m_{2}/m_{1} \sim 0.11$), low-inclination ($\sim ~ 38^{\circ}$) near-contact system. The masses, radii and luminosity for the primary and secondary are estimated to be $1.02 \pm 0.06\, M_\odot$, $1.23 \pm 0.05\, R_\odot $, $1.01 \pm 0.06\, L_\odot$ and $0.11 \pm 0.08\, M_\odot$, $0.45 \pm 0.05\, R_\odot$, $0.10 \pm 0.06\, L_\odot$, respectively. The marginal contact, together with the period decrease, suggests that this binary system may be at a key evolutionary stage, as predicted by the theory of thermal relaxation oscillations.

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arXiv2018

Asteroseismology of the Double-Mode High-Amplitude $δ$ Scuti Star VX Hydrae

Bi-site time-series photometric and high-resolution spectroscopic observations were made for the double-mode high-amplitude $δ$ Scuti star VX\ Hya. The fundamental frequency $f_{0}=4.4763\ \rm{c\ days^{-1}}$, the first overtone $f_{1}=5.7897\ \rm{c\ days^{-1}}$ and 23 harmonics and linear combinations of $f_{0}$ and $f_{1}$ are detected by pulsation analysis. From the spectroscopic data, we get $\rm{[Fe/H] = -0.2\pm0.1\ dex}$. The period change rate of the fundamental mode is obtained by using the Fourier-phase diagram method, which gives the value of $(1/P_{0})(dP_{0}/dt)=(1.81\pm0.09) \times 10^{-7}\ \rm{yr}^{-1}$. With these results from the observations, we perform theoretical explorations with the stellar evolution code MESA, and constrain the models by fitting $f_{0}$, $f_{1}$, and $(1/P_{0})(dP_{0}/dt)$ within $3σ$ deviations. The results show that the period change of VX\ Hya could be ascribed to the evolutionary effect. The stellar parameters of VX\ Hya could be derived as: the mass $2.385\pm0.025\ M_{\odot}$, the luminosity $\log(L/L_{\odot})=1.93\pm0.02$ and the age $(4.43\pm0.13)\times 10^8$ years. VX\ Hya is found to locate at the post-main-sequence stage with a helium core and a hydrogen-burning shell on the H${-}$R diagram.

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