The luminosity function and the H-R diagram of white dwarfs

Abstract

We have analysed spectroscopic data of 461 white dwarfs and obtained preliminary results as follows: (1) At present, the observed luminosity function agrees about equally well with the crystallization theory as with the non-crystallization theory. (2) White dwarfs appear to form an unbroken sequence on the H-R diagram. (3) The different locations on the diagram are mainly due to differences in temperature and in the degree of internal mixing. Evolution from early to late spectral types may exist.