Formation and evolution of compact binaries with an accreting white dwarf in globular clusters

Abstract

The population of compact binaries in dense stellar systems is affected strongly by frequent dynamical interactions between stars and their interplay with the stellar evolution. In this contribution, we consider these effects on binaries with a white dwarf accretor, in particular cataclysmic variables and AM CVns. We examine which processes can successfully lead to the creation of such X-ray binaries. Using numerical simulations, we identify predominant formation channels and predict the expected numbers of detectable systems. We discuss also why the distribution of cataclysmic variables has a weaker dependence upon the cluster density than the distribution of quiescent low-mass X-ray binaries and why dwarf nova outbursts may not occur among globular cluster cataclysmic variables.