Correlated photometric and polarimetric phenomena in AM Herculis

TLDR: In this article, a multicolor photometry and polarimetry of AM Herculis was used to find correlations among polarization, flux, and color in the V and I bands in periodic and non-periodic (i.e., flickering) activity.

Abstract: Via simultaneous multicolor photometry and polarimetry of AM Herculis, we find correlations among polarization, flux, and color in the V and I bands in periodic and nonperiodic (i.e., flickering) activity. The primary minimum observed in both bands is accompanied by a blueward shift of the (B - R) color and a decrease in the absolute value of the percent circular polarization in the V band. Outside primary minimum, peaks of flickering activity tend to be associated with an increase in the absolute value of the circular polarization and the concurrent reddening of the (B - R) and (R - I) colors. The visual light curve of AM Her can be explained by a flickering, circularly polarized light source which is obscured at primary minimum, and is redder than the total system color in the URVRI bands.