X-ray observations of cataclysmic variables

Cataclysmic variables (CVs) as a class are defined by their optical properties, in particular the amplitudes and frequency of their outbursts. The availability of the Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) on the Einstein Laboratory has increased significantly the number of CVs which can be studied on the basis of X-ray observations. In this connection, Becker and Marshall (1981) and Cordova et al. (1980) have surveyed 20 CVs and detected 70% of them. A description is presented of observations of an additional 12 CVs, and the properties of the combined set of 32 CVs are discussed. It is found that the CVs do not have any distinguishing X-ray characteristics. The IPC data alone cannot be used to determine to which category of CVs a particular source belongs, or even to identify an object as a CV. On the other hand, the optical observations are essential for estimating the X-ray luminosity from the IPC data.