The color of the fast oscillations of AH Herculis
The color of the fast coherent oscillations of AH Herculis is measured by comparing simultaneous records of the photon arrival rate in two wavelength bands, 355 + or - 30 nm and 795 + or - 80 nm. It is found that the color temperature of the coherent oscillation detected in these two wavelength bands is between 28,000 and 73,000 K. The color temperature of the nonoscillating luminosity is much lower. The arrival times of photons in these two bands have also been correlated, and it is found that the time interval between the long-wavelength coherent signal and the ultraviolet coherent signal is 0.26 + or - 0.5 sec. These results suggest that it is the surface of the white dwarf or the hot inner portion of the accretion disk which is emitting the coherent signal. The oscillations become detectably incoherent at the approach to minimum light after the outburst, as would be expected if the oscillating medium becomes more dissipative as it cools, or if there were increased modulation by clouds of obscuring material.