Infrared photometry of eclipsing binary stars.

The infrared observations of several eclipsing binary stars are presented and discussed. Initially a brief review of the relevant literature is given together with a description of binary systems, in particular eclipsing binary stars. This is followed by an outline of the instrumentation and techniques used in making infrared observations of these systems. 1.2 and 2.2 micrometre observations of AB And and SW Lac, together with 2.2 micrometre observations of 44 i Boo are presented. These stars are all of the W UMa-type. The infrared light curves show a number of features not found optically and these features are discussed. All three systems appear to be very red for their spectral types. Observations are given of the cataclysmic variable AM Her at 1.2 and 2.2 micrometre. The 1.2 micrometre light curve is very similar to the optical light curves. However, the 2.2 micrometre light curve shows only a secondary eclipse, in this respect it is similar to the X-ray light curve. The system has a J - K colour of +0.60 at maximum light. These facts indicate that at 2.2 micrometre the system is emitting strong cyclotron radiation from near the white dwarf component. Finally, 1.2, 2.2 and 3.6 micrometre light curves of the Algol-type eclipsing binary RZ Set are presented. The infrared excess found is attributed to a gas stream and disk around the primary component of the system. The electron density in both the stream and the disk is ~1012 cm-3.