The 8190 A sodium doublet in cataclysmic variables - I. The Quest

Abstract
We have carried out a near-infrared spectroscopic survey of 65 cataclysmic variables aimed at detecting absorption features from the secondary star, especially the NaI doublet at λλ8183.3, 8194.8 Å. We have positively identified these lines in 16 cataclysmic variables of various types with periods from 3 to 9 hr. Many of these objects show other features indicative of a late-type star. We have observed the λ7773 Å OI triplet in 28 objects. This feature varies considerably from object to object and may be a useful indicator of the state of the disc. We have also detected emission lines of HeI (λλ7065, 7281 Å), HeII (λ8236 Å), OI (λ8446 Å), CaII (λ8498 Å) and a further emission feature to the red of λ8200 Å that may be associated with the Paschen series limit.

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