Detection of a coherent oscillation with a 769.63-s period in the intermediate polar EI UMa (PG 0834+488)

Recently, it has been shown that the cataclysmic variable EI UMa should be attributed to intermediate polars on the basis of its X-ray spectrum. However, no short-period oscillations with a high degree of coherence typical of intermediate polars could be detected in this star. Therefore, it was suggested to call it a “hidden” intermediate polar. Using a multichannel photometer and a 70-cm telescope, we performed observations of EI UMa for 60 h. Analysis of the observations has clearly revealed a brightness oscillation with a period of 769.63±0.10 s and a mean semiamplitude of 0_· ^m 008 completely coherent during one month of our observations that was detectable during each of the 13 observing nights. On the basis of this detection, EI UMa should be considered a classical intermediate polar rather than a hidden one. In addition, we have managed to detect the orbital variability of EI UMa for the first time. The orbital light curve is extremely interesting, showing evidence of partial eclipses of the accretion flow.