The optical orbit of the X-ray pulsar binary 0535 - 668 (= A0538 - 66)

Spectroscopic data are presented from the optical primary of the LMC X-ray source 0535 - 668 during its optical low state. From these data the star appears as a normal B1 star, slightly evolved off the main sequence. Adopting the X-ray outburst period of 16.65 days, radial velocities indicate an orbit with a high eccentricity, and periastron passage very close to the X-ray flux peak. Probable masses are normal for the primary and the pulsar. At periastron, the center of mass separation is less than the primary-star diameter, and during optical outburst the photosphere is larger than the minimum separation. Orbital parameters and implied quantities are discussed.