******************************************************                         
    PR # 32047                                                                   
     Utilizing the broad bandpass, large effective area, and high spectral       
      resolution of the {\it ASCA\/} detectors, we propose to observe a sm       
     all sample of intermediate polars to determine the nature of their X-       
     ray spectra and thereby constrain the accretion geometry, and hence t       
     he overall model, of this class of magnetic cataclysmic variables. Sp       
     ecifically, we propose to utilize spin-phase resolved spectroscopic o       
     bservations of the O and Fe K-edges and the Fe K and L emission line        
     complexes to constrain (1) the ionization parameter of the high colum       
     n density of absorbing material along the line of sight to the X-ray        
     source, (2) the density and electron temperature of the photoionized        
     gas, and (3) the temperature and emission measure of the thermal gas        
    behind the accretion shock.                                                  
  ******************************************************