The increasing number of synoptic surveys made by small robotic telescopes, such as the photometric Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey (CRTS), represents a unique opportunity for the discovery of variable sources and improves the statistical samples of such classes of objects. Our goal is the discovery of magnetic Cataclysmic Variables (mCVs). These are rare objects, which probe interesting accretion scenarios controlled by the white dwarf magnetic field. In particular, improved statistics of mCVs would help to address open questions on their formation and evolution. We performed an optical spectroscopy survey to search for signatures of magnetic accretion in 45 variable objects selected mostly from the CRTS. In this sample we found 32 CVs, 22 being mCV candidates from which 13 are previously unreported as such. If the proposed classifications are confirmed, it would represent an increase of 4% in the number of known polars and 12% in the number of known IPs. A fraction of our initial sample was classified as extragalactic sources or other types of variable stars by the inspection of the identification spectra. Despite the inherent complexity in identifying a source as a mCV, variability-based selection followed by spectroscopic snapshot observations has proved to be an efficient strategy for their discoveries, being a relatively inexpensive approach in terms of telescope time.

This is the second paper of a series presenting our search for magnetic Cataclysmic Variables (mCVs) among candidates selected mostly from the Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey (CRTS). We present the identification spectra, obtained at the SOAR Telescope, as well as magnitudes and Gaia distances for 45 objects. Of these, 39 objects are identified as CVs, from which 8 targets show observational characteristics of mCVs, being 7 polars and 1 intermediate polar. The remaining 31 CVs in our sample are probably non-magnetic systems, in low (22 systems) or high (9 systems) accretion states. Six targets of the sample are not CVs (5 AGNs and 1 T Tauri star). Among the 8 objects with mCV spectra, 6 are new classifications. Three polars were observed in low accretion state, either revealing photospheric features of the secondary star and allowing the estimation of their spectral type, or presenting Hβ Zeeman components associated to the WD magnetic field. In addition to the results obtained in the first paper of the series, and depending on the confirmation of these classifications by observational follow-up, our results would increase the sample of known polars by about 9 percent.

Post-shock regions (PSR) of polar cataclysmic variables produce most of their luminosity and give rise to high circular polarization in optical wavelengths and strong variability on the white dwarf rotation period, which are distinctive features of these systems. To investigate the polar candidate V348 Pav, we obtained a comprehensive observational set including photometric, polarimetric, and spectroscopic data, which was used to constrain the post-shock properties of the system. The object presents high circular polarization (∼ 30 per cent) and high He ii 4686Å to H β line ratio, confirming it is a polar. From both radial velocities and light curves, we determined an orbital period of 79.98 min, close to the orbital period minimum of CVs. The H β radial velocity curve has a semi-amplitude of 141.4±1.5 km s −1 . Doppler tomography showed that most of the spectral line emission in this system is originated in the region of the companion star facing the WD, possibly irradiated by the emission related to the PSR. We modelled the PSR using the cyclops code. The PSR density and temperature profiles, obtained by a proper solution of the hydro-thermodynamic equations, were used in a 3D radiative transfer solution that takes into account the system geometry. We could reproduce the V348 Pav B, V, R, and I photometric and polarimetric data using a model with a WD magnetic field of ∼ 28 MG, a WD mass of ∼ 0.85 M and a low (∼ 25 • ) orbital inclination. These values for the WD mass and orbital inclination are consistent with the measured radial velocities.

SW Sextantis systems are nova-like cataclysmic variables that have unusual spectroscopic properties, which are thought to be caused by an accretion geometry having part of the mass flux trajectory out of the orbital plane. Accretion onto a magnetic white dwarf is one of the proposed scenarios for these systems. To verify this possibility, we analyzed photometric and polarimetric time-series data for a sample of six SW Sex stars. We report possible modulated circular polarization in BO Cet, SW Sex, and UU Aqr with periods of 11.1, 41.2, and 25.7 minutes, respectively, and less significant periodicities for V380 Oph at 22 minutes and V442 Oph at 19.4 minutes. We confirm previous results that LS Peg shows variable circular polarization. However, we determine a period of 18.8 minutes, which is different from the earlier reported value. We interpret these periods as the spin periods of the white dwarfs. Our polarimetric results indicate that 15% of the SW Sex systems have direct evidence of magnetic accretion. We also discuss SW Sex objects within the perspective of being magnetic systems, considering the latest findings about the demography, formation, and evolution of cataclysmic variables.