Spectroscopically Identified Cataclysmic Variables from the LAMOST Survey. I. The Sample

A sample of cataclysmic variables (CVs) is presented including spectroscopically identified 380 spectra of 245 objects, of which 58 CV candidates are new discoveries. The BaggingTopPush and the Random Forest algorithms are applied to the Fifth Data Release (DR5) of the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) to retrieve CVs with strong emission lines and with broad absorption lines respectively. Based on spectroscopic classification, 134 dwarf novae, 41 nova-like variables, and 19 magnetic CVs are identified from the sample. In addition, 89 high-inclination systems and 33 CVs showing companion stars are recognized and discussed for their distinct spectral characteristics. Comparisons between CVs from LAMOST and from published catalogs are made in spatial and magnitude distribution, and the difference of their locus in the Gaia color-absolute magnitude diagram (CaMD) are also investigated. More interestingly, for two dwarf novae observed through LAMOST and SDSS in different epochs, their spectra both in quiescence phase and during outburst are exhibited.