Atomic Raman Spectroscopy of Wind Accretion in Symbiotic Stars

We present our observational and theoretical investigation of Raman-scattered features in symbiotic stars (SySts). SySts are long interacting binaries, consisting of a hot compact star and an evolved giant, whose interaction via accretion process is at the origin of a tangled network of gas and dust nebulae. These systems are ideal objects to study a variety of important astrophysical problems, and have also been proposed as possible progenitors of type Ia supernova. In this talk, we emphasize that Raman-scattered features are exclusive spectroscopic tools to probe the stellar wind accretion processes in SySts. We studied mass transfer and mass loss processes in SySts using high resolution spectra obtained with 1.8m telescope at Mt. Bohyun and the 6.5m Magellan-Clay telescope combining with the theoretical modeling of radiative transfer of Raman-scattered features. We also note that there are a much smaller number of SySts known in our Galaxy, implying the necessity of systematic search programs. In view of the fact that Raman O VI features at $6830{\AA}$ are found in only bona fide SySts, we will carry out a photometric search of objects with Raman O VI features using a narrow band filter centered at $6830{\AA}$ in Local group galaxies.