NLTE Analysis of the Ultra-short Period White-dwarf Binary RX J0806.3+1527

Abstract

RX J0806.3+1527 is suspected to be a double-degenerate white dwarf binary. We present first results of our NLTE analysis of its optical spectrum. The VLT/FORS1 data show a composite spectrum consisting of a blue continuum and superimposed emission lines of the HeII Pickering series and, possibly, the H Balmer series. Our models are based on hot white dwarf atmospheres and include illumination effects onto the secondary star. The physical parameters and chemical abundances derived from the comparison of the observed spectrum with a grid of model atmospheres provide constraints on the true nature of this enigmatic binary and on the models proposed so far.