Fourier techniques for an analysis of eclipsing binary light curves: I

The Fourier techniques developed so far for an analysis of eclipsing binary light curves have been re-discussed. The Fourier coefficients for the analysis have been derived in a simple form of series expansions, in terms of eclipse elements, valid for any type of eclipse (regardless of whetherr ₁r ₂).These coefficients may be utilized to solve the eclipse elements in terms of the observed characteristics of the light curves. A general relation between the observed quantitiesl and , and the eclipse elementsr _1,2,i andL ₁ has also been given in the form of series expansions which can be used for the synthesis of the light curves.