On the detection of chemically peculiar stars using Δa photometry

We have summarized all Delta a measurements for galactic field stars (1474 objects) from the literature published over more than two decades. These measurements were, for the first time, compiled and homogeneously analyzed. The. a intermediate band photometric system samples the depth of the 5200 angstrom flux depression by comparing the flux at the center with the adjacent regions with bandwidths of 110 angstrom to 230 angstrom. Because it was slightly modified over the last three decades, we checked for systematic trends for the different measurements but found no correlations whatsoever. The Delta a photometric system is most suitable to detecting magnetic chemically peculiar (CP) stars with high efficiency, but is also capable of detecting a small percentage of non-magnetic CP objects. Furthermore, the groups of (metal-weak)lambda Bootis, as well as classical Be/shell stars, can be successfully investigated. In addition, we also analyzed the behaviour of supergiants (luminosity class I and II). On the basis of apparent normal type objects, the correlation of the 3 sigma significance limit and the percentage of positive detection for all groups was derived. We compared the capability of the. a photometric system with the Delta(V1 - G) and Z indices of the Geneva 7-color system to detect peculiar objects. Both photometric systems show the same efficiency for the detection of CP and lambda Bootis stars, while the indices in the Geneva system are even more efficient at detecting Be/shell objects. On the basis of this statistical analysis it is possible to derive the incidence of CP stars in galactic open cluster and extragalactic systems including the former unknown bias of undetected objects. This is especially important in order to make a sound statistical analysis of the correlation between the occurrence of these objects and astrophysical parameters such as the age, metallicity, and strength of global, as well as local, magnetic fields.