arXiv subjects

M. M. Phillips

Publications and source records attributed to M. M. Phillips.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The type Ia supernova 2023vjh: a peculiar 1991bg-like SN with unusually faint light curves

We present observations of the 1991bg-like type Ia supernova (SN) 2023vjh, associated with the elliptical galaxy MCG+04-10-013. Its light-curve shape parameters ($\Delta m_{15}(B)=1.89 \pm 0.01$ mag and $s_{BV} = 0.45 \pm 0.03$), together with its spectroscopic evolution, place it firmly within the class of fast-declining, subluminous SNe Ia. The near-peak spectra show prominent features of Si II, Ca II, and Ti II, consistent with a cool photosphere, and place SN 2023vjh within the "cool" and extreme cool regions on the classification diagrams. In addition, the three late-phase near-infrared (NIR) spectra display the Ca II NIR triplet, Fe II, and Co II absorptions, but no obvious $H$-band break. Although SN 2023vjh falls in the same regions of the classification diagrams as other well-studied 91bg-like events, it shows some deviation within this class. In particular, it is systematically fainter than predicted by explosion models and fainter than other well-studied 91bg-like SNe. Light-curve fitting and color-based analyses indicate a relatively large reddening ($E(B-V)_{host}\sim$ 0.2 - 0.35 mag), which is unusual for 91bg-like SNe. Yet, the lack of detectable Na I D absorption in its spectra, along with its large projected distance from the center of its passive host galaxy (6.8 kpc), suggests that interstellar extinction along the line of sight is minimal. SN 2023vjh appears to be fainter than typical 91bg-like SNe, and it could be affected by circumstellar material (CSM). Comparisons with explosion models and alternative extinction prescriptions show that including CSM-like extinction improves agreement in the blue bands, but residual discrepancies in the $i$-band may reflect limitations in the model.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Probing the 3D Structures of Supernovae through IR Signatures of CO and SiO

We present a new public-domain MOlecular Fitting Analysis Tool (MOFAT) designed to probe molecule-forming regions in supernovae (SNe) through analysis of molecular features in the near- and mid-infrared. MOFAT employs a novel data-driven approach to explore the physical properties of these regions using time-independent radiative transfer simulations that include multidimensional, clump-like structures, constrained by high-precision observations. Such structures are required to reproduce the flux ratio between fundamental and overtone bands, overcoming limitations of traditional one-zone forward-modeling, such as optical-depth effects and initial configurations. Our approach enables spectral fits that can reconstruct overall abundances and temperatures and determine parameterized small-scale structures associated with physical instabilities. We systematically study the relationship between physical parameters and the profiles of CO and SiO, showing that free parameters are constrained, while detection of small-scale structure requires optically thick bands. As a demonstration, MOFAT is applied to SN2024ggi at +285 and +385 days post-explosion. We find that CO formation triggers SiO formation in the inner layers of the CO-rich region previously studied. The inner edge of the SiO-emitting region recedes from velocities of v1 from 1500 to 1000 km/s, indicating continued SiO formation. The SiO mass decreases from about (2-6)E-3 Mo by roughly an order of magnitude, suggesting ongoing evaporation. SiO features indicate clumping, but most of the flux originates from optically thin regions. SiO contributes negligibly to cooling, and we find no evidence for dust formation. Finally, we discuss observational strategies to trace the evolution of molecule formation and its connection to dust formation.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

JWST Observations of SN 2024ggi II: NIRSpec Spectroscopy and CO Modeling at 285 and 385 Days Past the Explosion

We present James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRSpec observations of SN~2024ggi, spanning wavelengths of 1.7--5.5 micron at +285.51 and +385.27 days post-explosion. These nebular spectra are dominated by asymmetric emission lines from atomic species including H, Ca, Ar, C, Mg, Ni, Co, and Fe, indicative of an aspherical explosion. The other strong features are molecular CO vibrational bands from the fundamental and first overtone. We introduce a novel, data-driven approach using non-LTE 3D radiative transfer simulations to model the CO emission with high fidelity. This method enables us to constrain the three-dimensional CO distribution and its radial temperature structure. CO formation is found to occur prior to day +285, with subsequent evolution characterized by progressive evaporation. The CO mass decreases from approximately 8.7 to 1.3*E-3 Mo, while the average temperature drops from about 2900 K to 2500 K. Concurrently, the CO distribution transitions from nearly homogeneous to highly clumped (density contrast increasing from fc=1.2 to 2). The minimum velocity of the CO-emitting region remains nearly constant (v1 = 1200 to 1100 km/s), significantly above the receding photosphere velocity (v(ph) = 500 km/s), suggesting the photosphere resides within Si-rich layers. However, the temperature profile indicates that only a narrow zone reaches the conditions necessary for SiO formation. Due to a lack of observational constraints, SiO clumping is not modeled, and thus, synthetic SiO profiles for mass estimates are not highlighted. We discuss the implications of these findings for dust formation processes in SN~2024ggi.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

Carnegie Supernova Project: Fast-Declining Type Ia Supernovae as Cosmological Distance Indicators

In this paper, the suitability of fast-declining Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) as cosmological standard candles is examined utilizing a Hubble Flow sample of 43 of these objects observed by the Carnegie Supernova Project (CSP). We confirm previous suggestions that fast-declining SNe Ia offer a viable method for estimating distances to early-type galaxies when the color-stretch parameter, $s_{BV}$, is used as a measure of the light curve shape. As a test, we employ the Tripp method, which models the absolute magnitude at maximum as a function of light curve shape and color. We calibrate the sample using 12 distance moduli based on published Infrared Surface Brightness Fluctuations to derive a value of the Hubble constant that is in close agreement with the value obtained for the full sample of CSP SNe Ia using the same methodology. We also develop a new and simple method of estimating the distances of fast decliners based only on their colors at maximum (and not light curve shape) and find that it leads to similar results as with using the Tripp method. This "Color" technique is a powerful tool that is unique to fast-declining SNe Ia. We show that the colors of the fast decliners at maximum light are strongly affected by photospheric temperature differences and not solely due to dust extinction, and provide a physical rationale for this effect.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

JWST Observations of SN 2023ixf II: The Panchromatic Evolution Between 250 and 720 Days After the Explosion

We present the nebular phase spectroscopic and photometric observations of the nearby hydrogen-rich core-collapse supernova (CC-SN) 2023ixf, obtained through our JWST programs. These observations, combined with ground-based optical and near-infrared spectra, cover +252.67 - 719.96 d, creating a comprehensive, panchromatic time-series dataset spanning 0.32 - 30$\mu$m. In this second paper of the series, we focus on identifying key spectral emission features and tracking their evolution through the nebular phase. The JWST data reveal hydrogen emission from the Balmer to Humphreys series, as well as prominent forbidden lines from Ne, Ar, Fe, Co, and Ni. NIRSpec observations display strong emission from the first overtone and fundamental bands of carbon monoxide, which weaken with time as the ejecta cools and dust emission dominates. The spectral energy distribution shows a clear infrared excess emerging by +252.67 d peaking around 10.0$\mu$m, with a secondary bump at 18.0$\mu$m developing by +719.96 d. We suggest that this evolution could arises from multiple warm dust components. In upcoming papers in this series, we will present detailed modeling of the molecular and dust properties. Overall, this dataset significantly advances our understanding of the mid-infrared properties of CC-SNe, providing an unprecedented view of their late-time line, molecule, and dust emission.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

JWST Observations of SN 2024ggi I: Interpretation and Model Comparison of the Type II Supernova 2024ggi at 55 days Past Explosion

We present panchromatic 0.4-21 microns observations of the nearby (about 7.2 Mpc) Type II supernova 2024ggi, obtained during the plateau phase at about 55 d past explosion. Our dataset includes JWST spectra spanning 1.7-14 microns, MIR imaging at 7.7 and 21 microns, and near-simultaneous ground-based optical and NIR spectra covering 0.32-1.8 microns. The NIR and MIR spectral features of SN 2024ggi are dominated by HI emission. We present line IDs and a toy PHOENIX/1D model that reproduces the observations well, especially the continuum redward of 0.9 microns We compare SN 2024ggi to SN 2022acko and SN 2023ixf, two other Type II supernovae that were also observed by JWST, and highlight key similarities and differences in their spectral features. No evidence for a MIR excess or dust is found at these epochs, with the model matching the observed flux out to 21 microns. We discuss the model's shortcomings, focusing on the density profile, which suppresses line blanketing and produces features in the optical that are too narrow. Our results show the power of panchromatic studies in both exploring the nature of the SN ejecta and constraining detailed models of SNe.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

JWST Observations of SN 2023ixf I: Completing the Early Multi-Wavelength Picture with Plateau-phase Spectroscopy

We present and analyze panchromatic (0.35--14 $\mu$m) spectroscopy of the Type II supernova 2023ixf, including near- and mid-infrared spectra obtained 33.6 days after explosion during the plateau-phase, with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This is the first in a series of papers examining the evolution of SN 2023ixf with JWST spanning the initial 1000 days after explosion, monitoring the formation and growth of molecules and dust in ejecta and surrounding environment. The JWST infrared spectra are overwhelmingly dominated by H lines, whose profiles reveal ejecta structures, including flat tops, blue notches, and red shoulders, unseen in the optical spectra. We characterize the nature of these structures, concluding that they likely result from a combination of ejecta geometry, viewing angle, and opacity effects. We find no evidence for the formation of dust precursor molecules such as carbon-monoxide (CO), nor do we observe an infrared excess attributable to dust. These observations imply that the detections of molecules and dust in SN 2023ixf at later epochs arise either from freshly synthesized material within the ejecta or circumstellar material at radii not yet heated by the supernova at this epoch.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Optical and near-infrared photometry of 94 type II supernovae from the Carnegie Supernova Project

Type II supernovae (SNeII) mark the endpoint in the lives of hydrogen-rich massive stars. Their large explosion energies and luminosities allow us to measure distances, metallicities, and star formation rates into the distant Universe. To fully exploit their use in answering different astrophysical problems, high-quality low-redshift data sets are required. Such samples are vital to understand the physics of SNeII, but also to serve as calibrators for distinct - and often lower-quality - samples. We present uBgVri optical and YJH near-infrared (NIR) photometry for 94 low-redshift SNeII observed by the Carnegie Supernova Project (CSP). A total of 9817 optical and 1872 NIR photometric data points are released, leading to a sample of high-quality SNII light curves during the first ~150 days post explosion on a well-calibrated photometric system. The sample is presented and its properties are analysed and discussed through comparison to literature events. We also focus on individual SNeII as examples of classically defined subtypes and outlier objects. Making a cut in the plateau decline rate of our sample (s2), a new subsample of fast-declining SNeII is presented. The sample has a median redshift of 0.015, with the nearest event at 0.001 and the most distant at 0.07. At optical wavelengths (V), the sample has a median cadence of 4.7 days over the course of a median coverage of 80 days. In the NIR (J), the median cadence is 7.2 days over the course of 59 days. The fast-declining subsample is more luminous than the full sample and shows shorter plateau phases. Of the non-standard SNeII highlighted, SN2009A particularly stands out with a steeply declining then rising light curve, together with what appears to be two superimposed P-Cygni profiles of H-alpha in its spectra. We outline the significant utility of these data, and finally provide an outlook of future SNII science.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Type Ia Supernova Progenitor Properties and Their Host Galaxies

We present an eigenfunction method to analyze 161 visual light curves (LCs) of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) obtained by the Carnegie Supernova Project to characterize their diversity and host-galaxy correlations. The eigenfunctions are based on the delayed-detonation scenario using three parameters: the LC stretch being determined by the amount of deflagration-burning governing the 56Ni production, the main-sequence mass M_MS of the progenitor white dwarf controlling the explosion energy, and its central density rho_c shifting the 56Ni distribution. Our analysis tool (SPAT) extracts the parameters from observations and projects them into physical space using their allowed ranges M_MS < 8 M_sun, rho_c < 7-8x10^9g/cc. The residuals between fits and individual LC-points are ~ 1-3% for ~ 92% of objects. We find two distinct M_MS groups corresponding to a fast (~ 40-65 Myrs) and a slow(~ 200-500 Myrs) stellar evolution. Most underluminous SNe Ia have hosts with low star formation but high M_MS, suggesting slow evolution times of the progenitor system. 91T-likes SNe show very similar LCs and high M_MS and are correlated to star formation regions, making them potentially important tracers of star formation in the early Universe out to z = 4-11. Some 6% outliers with `non-physical' parameters can be attributed to superluminous SNe Ia and subluminous SNe Ia with hosts of active star formation. For deciphering the SNe Ia diversity and high-precision SNe Ia cosmology, the importance is shown for LCs covering out to ~ 60 days past maximum. Finally, our method and results are discussed within the framework of multiple explosion scenarios, and in light of upcoming surveys.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

A JWST Medium Resolution MIRI Spectrum and Models of the Type Ia supernova 2021aefx at +415 d

We present a JWST MIRI/MRS spectrum (5-27 $\mathrmμ$m) of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia), SN 2021aefx at $+415$ days past $B$-band maximum. The spectrum, which was obtained during the iron-dominated nebular phase, has been analyzed in combination with previous JWST observations of SN 2021aefx, to provide the first JWST time series analysis of an SN Ia. We find the temporal evolution of the [Co III] 11.888 $\mathrmμ$m feature directly traces the decay of $^{56}$Co. The spectra, line profiles, and their evolution are analyzed with off-center delayed-detonation models. Best fits were obtained with White Dwarf (WD) central densities of $ρ_c=0.9-1.1\times 10^9$g cm$^{-3}$, a WD mass of M$_{\mathrm{WD}}$=1.33-1.35M$_\odot$, a WD magnetic field of $\approx10^6$G, and an off-center deflagration-to-detonation transition at $\approx$ 0.5 $M_\odot$ seen opposite to the line of sight of the observer (-30). The inner electron capture core is dominated by energy deposition from $γ$-rays whereas a broader region is dominated by positron deposition, placing SN 2021aefx at +415 d in the transitional phase of the evolution to the positron-dominated regime. The formerly `flat-tilted' profile at 9 $\mathrmμ$m now has significant contribution from [Ni IV], [Fe II], and [Fe III] and less from [Ar III], which alters the shape of the feature as positrons excite mostly the low-velocity Ar. Overall, the strength of the stable Ni features in the spectrum is dominated by positron transport rather than the Ni mass. Based on multi-dimensional models, our analysis is consistent with a single-spot, close-to-central ignition with an indication for a pre-existing turbulent velocity field, and excludes a multiple-spot, off-center ignition.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

1991T-like Supernovae

Understanding the nature of the luminous 1991T-like supernovae is of great importance to supernova cosmology as they are likely to have been more common in the early universe. In this paper we explore the observational properties of 1991T-like supernovae to study their relationship to other luminous, slow-declining Type~Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). From the spectroscopic and photometric criteria defined in Phillips et al. (1992), we identify 17 1991T-like supernovae from the literature. Combining these objects with ten 1991T-like supernovae from the Carnegie Supernova Project-II, the spectra, light curves, and colors of these events, along with their host galaxy properties, are examined in detail. We conclude that 1991T-like supernovae are closely related in essentially all of their UV, optical, and near-infrared properties -- as well as their host galaxy parameters -- to the slow-declining subset of Branch core-normal supernovae and to the intermediate 1999aa-like events, forming a continuum of luminous SNe Ia. The overriding difference between these three subgroups appears to be the extent to which $^{56}$Ni mixes into the ejecta, producing the pre-maximum spectra dominated by Fe III absorption, the broader UV light curves, and the higher luminosities that characterize the 1991T-like events. Nevertheless, the association of 1991T-like SNe with the rare Type Ia CSM supernovae would seem to run counter to this hypothesis, in which case 1991T-like events may form a separate subclass of SNe Ia, possibly arising from single-degenerate progenitor systems.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Optical Spectroscopy of Type Ia Supernovae by the Carnegie Supernova Projects I and II

We present the second and final release of optical spectroscopy of Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) obtained during the first and second phases of the Carnegie Supernova Project (CSP-I and CSP-II). The newly released data consist of 148 spectra of 30 SNe Ia observed in the course of the CSP-I, and 234 spectra of 127 SNe Ia obtained during the CSP-II. We also present 216 optical spectra of 46 historical SNe Ia, including 53 spectra of 30 SNe Ia observed by the Calán/Tololo Supernova Survey. We combine these observations with previously published CSP data and publicly-available spectra to compile a large sample of measurements of spectroscopic parameters at maximum light, consisting of pseudo-equivalent widths and expansion velocities of selected features, for 232 CSP and historical SNe Ia (including more than 1000 spectra). Finally, we review some of the strongest correlations between spectroscopic and photometric properties of SNe Ia. Specifically, we define two samples: one consisting of SNe Ia discovered by targeted searches (most of them CSP-I objects) and the other composed of SNe Ia discovered by untargeted searches, which includes most of the CSP-II objects. The analysed correlations are similar for both samples. We find a larger incidence of SNe Ia belonging to the Cool (CL)and Broad Line (BL) Branch subtypes among the events discovered by targeted searches, Shallow Silicon (SS) SNe Ia are present with similar frequencies in both samples, while Core Normal (CN) SNe Ia are more frequent in untargeted searches.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Extrapolation of Type Ia Supernova Spectra into the Near-Infrared Using PCA

We present a method of extrapolating the spectroscopic behavior of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength regime up to 2.30 $μ$m using optical spectroscopy. Such a process is useful for accurately estimating K-corrections and other photometric quantities of SNe Ia in the NIR. Principal component analysis is performed on data consisting of Carnegie Supernova Project I & II optical and near-infrared FIRE spectra to produce models capable of making these extrapolations. This method differs from previous spectral template methods by not parameterizing models strictly by photometric light-curve properties of SNe Ia, allowing for more flexibility of the resulting extrapolated NIR flux. A difference of around -3.1% to -2.7% in the total integrated NIR flux between these extrapolations and the observations is seen here for most test cases including Branch core-normal and shallow-silicon subtypes. However, larger deviations from the observation are found for other tests, likely due to the limited high-velocity and broad-line SNe Ia in the training sample. Maximum-light principal components are shown to allow for spectroscopic predictions of the color-stretch light-curve parameter, $s_{BV}$, within approximately $\pm$0.1 units of the value measured with photometry. We also show these results compare well with NIR templates, although in most cases the templates are marginally more fitting to observations, illustrating a need for more concurrent optical+NIR spectroscopic observations to truly understand the diversity of SNe Ia in the NIR.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Newly Formed Dust within the Circumstellar Environment of SNIa-CSM 2018evt

Dust associated with various stellar sources in galaxies at all cosmic epochs remains a controversial topic, particularly whether supernovae (SNe) play an important role in dust production. We report evidence of dust formation in the cold, dense shell behind the ejecta-circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction in the Type Ia-CSM SN 2018evt three years after the explosion, characterized by a rise in the mid-infrared (MIR) emission accompanied by an accelerated decline in the optical radiation of the SN. Such a dust-formation picture is also corroborated by the concurrent evolution of the profiles of the Ha emission line. Our model suggests enhanced CSM dust concentration at increasing distances from the SN as compared to what can be expected from the density profile of the mass loss from a steady stellar wind. By the time of the last MIR observations at day +1041, a total amount of 1.2+-0.2x10^{-2} Msun of new dust has been formed by SN 2018evt, making SN 2018evt one of the most prolific dust factories among SNe with evidence of dust formation. The unprecedented witness of the intense production procedure of dust may shed light on the perceptions of dust formation in cosmic history.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

JWST MIRI/MRS Observations and Spectral Models of the Under-luminous Type Ia Supernova 2022xkq

We present a JWST mid-infrared spectrum of the under-luminous Type Ia Supernova (SN Ia) 2022xkq, obtained with the medium-resolution spectrometer on the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) $\sim130$ days post-explosion. We identify the first MIR lines beyond 14 $μ$m in SN Ia observations. We find features unique to under-luminous SNe Ia, including: isolated emission of stable Ni, strong blends of [Ti II], and large ratios of singly ionized to doubly ionized species in both [Ar] and [Co]. Comparisons to normal-luminosity SNe Ia spectra at similar phases show a tentative trend between the width of the [Co III] 11.888 $μ$m feature and the SN light curve shape. Using non-LTE-multi-dimensional radiation hydro simulations and the observed electron capture elements we constrain the mass of the exploding white dwarf. The best-fitting model shows that SN 2022xkq is consistent with an off-center delayed-detonation explosion of a near-Chandrasekhar mass WD (M$_{\rm ej}$ $\approx 1.37$ M$_{\odot}$) of high-central density ($ρ_c \geq 2.0\times10^{9}$ g cm$^{-3}$) seen equator on, which produced M($^{56}$Ni) $= 0.324$ M$_{\odot}$ and M($^{58}$Ni) $\geq 0.06$ M$_{\odot}$. The observed line widths are consistent with the overall abundance distribution; and the narrow stable Ni lines indicate little to no mixing in the central regions, favoring central ignition of sub-sonic carbon burning followed by an off-center DDT beginning at a single point. Additional observations may further constrain the physics revealing the presence of additional species including Cr and Mn. Our work demonstrates the power of using the full coverage of MIRI in combination with detailed modeling to elucidate the physics of SNe Ia at a level not previously possible.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

SN 2021gno: a Calcium-rich transient with double-peaked light curves

We present extensive ultraviolet (UV) and optical photometric and optical spectroscopic follow-up of supernova (SN)~2021gno by the "Precision Observations of Infant Supernova Explosions" (POISE) project, starting less than two days after the explosion. Given its intermediate luminosity, fast photometric evolution, and quick transition to the nebular phase with spectra dominated by [Ca~II] lines, SN~2021gno belongs to the small family of Calcium-rich transients. Moreover, it shows double-peaked light curves, a phenomenon shared with only four other Calcium-rich events. The projected distance from the center of the host galaxy is not as large as other objects in this family. The initial optical light-curve peaks coincide with a very quick decline of the UV flux, indicating a fast initial cooling phase. Through hydrodynamical modelling of the bolometric light curve and line velocity evolution, we found that the observations are compatible with the explosion of a highly-stripped massive star with an ejecta mass of $0.8\,M_\odot$ and a $^{56}$Ni mass of $0.024~M_{\odot}$. The initial cooling phase (first light curve peak) is explained by the presence of an extended circumstellar material comprising $\sim$$10^{-2}\,M_{\odot}$ with an extension of $1100\,R_{\odot}$. We discuss if hydrogen features are present in both maximum-light and nebular spectra, and its implications in terms of the proposed progenitor scenarios for Calcium-rich transients.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

The Carnegie Supernova Project-I. Optical spectroscopy of stripped-envelope supernovae

We present 170 optical spectra of 35 low-redshift stripped-envelope core-collapse supernovae observed by the Carnegie Supernova Project-I between 2004 and 2009. The data extend from as early as -19 days (d) prior to the epoch of B-band maximum to +322 d, with the vast majority obtained during the so-called photospheric phase covering the weeks around peak luminosity. In addition to histogram plots characterizing the red-shift distribution, number of spectra per object, and the phase distribution of the sample, spectroscopic classification is also provided following standard criteria. The CSP-I spectra are electronically available and a detailed analysis of the data set is presented in a companion paper being the fifth and final paper of the series

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

The Carnegie Supernova Project-I. Spectroscopic analysis of stripped-envelope supernovae

An analysis leveraging 170 optical spectra of 35 stripped-envelope (SE) core-collapse supernovae observed by the Carnegie Supernova Project-I and published in a companion paper is presented. Mean template spectra are constructed for the SNe IIb, Ib and Ic sub-types and parent ions associated with designated spectral features are identified with the aid of the spectral synthesis code SYNAPPS. Our modeled mean spectra suggest the ~6150~Å feature in SNe~IIb may have an underlying contribution due to silicon, while the same feature in some SNe Ib may have an underlying contribution due to hydrogen. Standard spectral line diagnostics consisting of pseudo-equivalent widths (pEW) and blue-shifted Doppler velocity are measured for each of the spectral features. Correlation matrices and rolling mean values of both spectral diagnostics are constructed. A Principle Component Analysis (PCA) is applied to various wavelength ranges of the entire data set and suggests clear separation among the different SE SN sub-types, which follows from trends previously identified in the literature. In addition, our finds reveal the presence of two SNe IIb sub-types, a handful of SNe Ib displaying signatures of weak, high-velocity hydrogen, and a single SN~Ic with evidence of weak helium features. Our PCA results can be leveraged to obtain robust sub-typing of SE SN based on a single spectrum taken during the so-called photospheric phase, separating SNe IIb from SNe Ib with ~80 percent completion.

astro-ph.HE↗