Tilted discs in six poorly studied cataclysmic variables

In this work, we search for negative superhumps (nSHs) in poorly studied cataclysmic variables using Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data. We find three eclipsing binaries with nSH signatures: HBHA 4204-09, Gaia DR3 5931071148325476992, and SDSS J090113.51+144704.6. The last one exhibits IW And-like behaviour in archival Zwicky Transient Facility data, and appears to have shallow, grazing eclipses. In addition, we detect nSH signatures in two non-eclipsing systems: KQ Mon and Gaia DR3 4684361817175293440, by identifying the orbital period from the superorbital-dependent irradiation of the secondary. We discover nSH signatures in one more system, [PK2008] HalphaJ103959, by using an orbital period from another work. An improved mass ratio-nSH deficit relation q(epsilon(-)) is suggested by us, which agrees with independent measurements on nova-like variables. With this relation, we estimate the mass ratios of all systems in our sample, and determine the orbital inclinations for the three that are eclipsing. All systems with discovered nSHs in this work are excellent targets for follow-up spectroscopic studies.

Automated summary

In this study, we used Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data to search for negative superhumps in poorly studied cataclysmic variables. We identified three eclipsing binaries and two non-eclipsing systems with nSH signatures. The results suggest an improved mass ratio-nSH deficit relation and provide valuable information for follow-up spectroscopic studies.