NEAR-INFRARED SPECTRA OF CATACLYSMIC VARIABLES

We present results from the first systematic survey of the near-infrar ed (1-2.5 mum) spectra of cataclysmic variables. Emission lines of H I and He I are present in most objects. He II emission is observed in V Sge. Lines from high-ionization species may be present in TT Ari and SS Cyg. Absorption features typical of late-type stars are detected in some systems. Spectra of SS Cyg over several years show possible vari ability of the absorption line strengths. On some occasions the absorp tion lines in SS Cyg may be stronger than those expected from a K5 V s tar.