New spectral classification for hot subdwarfs

We find that a three-dimensional spectral type, consisting of a 'spectral' class, a 'luminosity' class, and a 'helium' class, is necessary to classify the sdO (subdwarf O) and sdB (subdwarf B) stars. In addition, the helium-strong stars appear to form two parallel spectral sequences: one showing strong lines of CII, CIII, or CIV, and the other with these same lines weak or absent.

We also give a preliminary calibration of the new spectral types in terms of effective temperature, surface gravity, and surface helium-to-hydrogen abundance ratio, and show the relation between the new spectral types and the natural groups defined by the PG (Palomar-Green) survey.