Whether the Classical O-C Diagram can be used to Multi-mode Pulsators

TL;DR

This paper examines the applicability of the O-C diagram technique for analyzing period changes in multi-mode pulsators, addressing challenges when multiple pulsation modes influence the data.

Contribution

It provides criteria to determine when the O-C diagram can be effectively used for multi-mode pulsators, extending its traditional application.

Findings

Criteria for using O-C diagrams in multi-mode pulsators

Analysis of limitations in classical O-C method

Guidelines for interpreting O-C diagrams with multiple modes

Abstract

O-C diagram is a useful technique to analyse the period changes of a pulsator by using the maximum (or minimum) value points which have been obtained from the historical data. But if an object is a double-mode or multi-mode pulsator, the extreme value points are the results of all the modes other than just the fundamental mode. We discussed these situations and give out some criteria to judge whether the O-C diagram can be used in these situations.