2001PASP..113.1541M

We have monitored in broadband linear polarimetry two bright cataclysmic variables (CVs) around complete 5-6 hr orbital cycles, with an order of magnitude better precision than any previous observations (save those of Naylor and coworkers) for any CVs. No orbital double-wave modulation, nor flickering on a timescale of ∼10 minutes, is seen above the instrumental level of σ_P∼0.03%, either in eruption for RX And (type: dwarf nova [DN]/ZC) or in quiescence or in eruption for SS Cyg (type: DN). Furthermore, the level of (interstellar?) polarization remained constant in both states for SS Cyg. This lack of detection in either system is likely a consequence of the fact that there are simply not enough polarizing free electrons available to allow detection at this level.