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1RXS J173021.5-055933: a cataclysmic variable with a fast-spinning magnetic white dwarf

Aims.We present the first X-ray observations with the XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL satellites of the recently discovered cataclysmic variable 1RXS J173021.5-055933, together with simultaneous UV and coordinated optical photometry aiming at characterising its broad-band temporal and spectral properties an...

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Published in:Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) 2008-04, Vol.481 (1), p.149-159
Main Authors: de Martino, D., Matt, G., Mukai, K., Bonnet-Bidaud, J.-M., Falanga, M., Gänsicke, B. T., Haberl, F., Marsh, T. R., Mouchet, M., Littlefair, S. P., Dhillon, V.
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Language:English
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Summary:Aims.We present the first X-ray observations with the XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL satellites of the recently discovered cataclysmic variable 1RXS J173021.5-055933, together with simultaneous UV and coordinated optical photometry aiming at characterising its broad-band temporal and spectral properties and classifying this system as a magnetic one. Methods.We performed a timing analysis of the X-ray, UV, and optical light curves to identify and to study the energy dependence of the fast 128 s pulsation over a wide energy range. X-ray spectral analysis in the broad 0.2-100 keV X-ray range was performed to characterise the peculiar emission properties of this source. Results.We find that the X-ray light curve is dominated by the spin period of the accreting white dwarf in contrast to the far-UV range, which turns out to be unmodulated at a 3σ level. Near-UV and optical pulses are instead detected at twice the spin frequency. We identify the contributions from two accreting poles that imply a moderately inclined dipole field allowing, one pole to dominate at energies at least up to 10 keV, and a secondary that instead is negligible above 5 keV. X-ray spectral analysis reveals the presence of multiple emission components consisting of optically thin plasma with temperatures ranging from 0.17 keV to 60 keV and a hot blackbody at ~90 eV. The spectrum is also strongly affected by peculiar absorption components consisting of two high-density (~3 $\times$ $10^{21}~{\rm cm}^{-2}$ and 2 $\times$ $10^{23}~{\rm cm}^{-2}$) intervening columns, plus a warm absorber. The last is detected from an OVII absorption edge at 0.74 keV, which suggests that photoionization of pre-shock material is also occurring in this system. Conclusions.The observed properties indicate that the accretor in 1RXS J173021.5-055933 is a white dwarf with a likely weak magnetic field, thus confirming this cataclysmic variable as an intermediate polar (IP) with one of the most extreme spin-to-orbit period ratios. This system also joins the small group of IPs showing a soft X-ray reprocessed component, suggesting that this characteristics is not uncommon in these systems.
ISSN:0004-6361
1432-0746
1432-0756
DOI:10.1051/0004-6361:20078368