Plasma Diagnostics in High-Resolution X-ray Spectra of Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables

Abstract

Using the Chandra HETG spectrum of EX Hya as an example, we discuss some of the plasma diagnostics available in high-resolution X-ray spectra of magnetic cataclysmic variables. Specifically, for conditions appropriate to collisional ionization equilibrium plasmas, we discuss the temperature dependence of the H- to He-like line intensity ratios and the density and photoexcitation dependence of the He-like R line ratios and the Fe XVII I(17.10 A)/I(17.05 A) line ratio. We show that the plasma temperature in EX Hya spans the range from ~ 0.5 to ~ 10 keV and that the plasma density n > 2E14 cm^{-3}, orders of magnitude greater than that observed in the Sun or other late-type stars.