Stephen PotterSouth African Astronomical Observatory

Polarization studies of magnetic Cataclysmic Variables

Outline

Photo-polarimetryModel to derive shock geometryDoppler tomography => overall accretion geometry

SpectropolarimetryInvestigate the shock structure

Future with SALTSpectropolarimetry with PFIS

SAAO 1.9m

SAAO 1.9m

Stokes imaging

Potter et al (2004) MNRAS 248, 316

Doppler tomography

Potter et al (2004) MNRAS 348, 316

QS Tel trailed spectra

Schwope et al. 1995 A&A 293, 764

ESO/MPI 2.2m

QS Tel trailed spectra

Schwope et al. 1995 A&A 293, 764

ESO/MPI 2.2m

QS Tel average spectra

Schwope et al. 1995 293, 764

ESO/MPI 2.2m

V834 Cen spectropolarimetry

Wickramasinghe Tuohy & Visvanathan ApJ 318, 326

AAT 3.9m

V834 Cen spectropolarimetry

Wickramasinghe Tuohy & Visvanathan ApJ 318, 326

AAT 3.9m

Spectropolarimetry of AM Her

Schaich et al. 1992 A&A 264, 529

2.2m German/SpanishCalar Alto

Spectropolarimetry with SALT

Spectropolarimetry with SALT

Spectropolarimetry with SALT

Shock models

Wickramasinghe & Meggitt 1982 MNRAS 198, 975

Stratified accretion shock models

Potter et al (2002) ASPC, 261, 165