High-precision broadband linear polarimetry of early-type binaries IV. Binary system of DH Cephei in the open cluster of NGC 7380

Abstract

DH Cephei is a prominent O+O-type binary system in the NGC 7380 open cluster. Our high-precision multi-band polarimetry demonstrates synchronous linear polarization variations with the orbital period. Using Stokes parameters, we derived the binary system's orbital inclination, orientation, and rotation direction. To estimate interstellar polarization, we observed neighboring stars in NGC 7380. Utilizing Dipol-2 polarimeter and T60 telescope, we measured linear polarization in the $B$, $V$, and $R$ bands with $\sim$0.003% accuracy. Lomb-Scargle period search revealed a dominant frequency at 1.055 d, corresponding to half of the 2.11 d orbital period. The $B$ passband showed a non-periodic component, while the $V$ passband provided reliable values for inclination ($46^{\circ}+11^{\circ}/-46^{\circ}$) and orbital orientation ($\Omega = 105^{\circ} \pm 55^{\circ}$). Using these values, we estimated a mass loss of $\sim$$3.4 \times 10^{-7}M_{\rm \odot} ; \rm yr^{-1}$. The binary system's rotation on the sky is clockwise. Polarimetric observations of neighboring stars indicate interstellar dust causing cluster star polarization.