Reflection effect in close binaries: effects of reflection on spectral lines

Abstract

Reflection effect phenomenon is studied on the formation of spectral lines in a close binary system when primary component has an extended atmosphere and the secondary component is a point source.

Irradiation effect is calculated using one dimensional rod model and self radiation is calculated using continuum radiative transfer equation in spherically symmetric atmosphere. The total radiation is the sum of the radiation of the individual components and the mutually reflected light. Line profiles are also computed along the line of sight observer at infinity for irradiation, self radiation and total radiation and compared in order to study the reflection effect on spectral lines.

It is found that the radiation field varies on the primary component when angle of incidence changes from the secondary component. The contour maps show that the radiative interaction makes the outer surface of the primary star warm when its companion illuminates the radiation. The effect of reflection on spectral lines is studied and noticed that the flux in the lines increases at all frequency points and the cores of the lines received more flux than the wings and equivalent width changes accordingly.