Infrared Spectroscopy of Cataclysmic Variables: Using the Peculiar Surface Abundance Patterns Found in their Secondary Stars to Trace their Evolutionary History

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ABSTRACTHarrison, Thomas"Infrared Spectroscopy of Cataclysmic Variables: Using the Peculiar Surface Abundance Patterns Found in Secondary Stars to Trace Their Evolutionary History"AST-9986823Dr. Harrison will undertake one of the first large-scale infrared spectroscopic surveys of cataclysmic variable stars. The primary goal of the project will be to investigate the chemical abundances and isotopic ratios of carbon in the secondary stars of these rapidly evolving systems. The observed spectra will be compared to existing models for evolved and unevolved stars to determine the current evolutionary state and trace the history of each system. The observational effort will be conducted with the facilities at Kitt Peak National Observatory.Funding for this project was provided by the NSF program for Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics (AST/SAA).