Analysis of the Optical Cyclotron Emission of Polar CRTS CSS081231 J071126+440405

Abstract

We have modeled the cyclotron spectra and photopolarimetric data of polar CRTS CSS081231 J071126+440405. A series of spectra of the polar were obtained in the intermediate brightness state spanning an orbital period. Modeling spectra allowed us to determine the magnetic field strength in the vicinity of both magnetic poles of the white dwarf: B₁ = 38 MG and B₂ = 51 MG. We obtained a temperature estimate for the accretion spots near both magnetic poles of the white dwarf. The estimate for the first spot is kT ~ 20–30 keV, whereas the second spot turned out to be cooler by about 10 keV. An analysis of the light curves and polarization of the polar obtained in the low state shows that the interaction of the accretion stream with the star’s atmosphere occurs close (within Δθ = 10◦) to the magnetic pole.