Alpha Per cluster low-mass members. I.

Following the work of Randich et al. (1996A&A...305..785R) involving a ROSAT raster scan survey of the {alpha} Persei open cluster, we present here the results of a photometric/spectroscopic program examining the possible optical counterparts to a group of 73 X-ray sources in the raster survey which were not matched to catalogued stars. Of the 73 sources investigated, ~40 have an optical counterpart with photometry acceptable for cluster membership and ~20 of these also have radial velocities consistent with membership.

We discuss the X-ray properties of these potential new members and why they may not have been identified in earlier membership surveys of this cluster.