arXiv subjects

Peter Höflich

Publications and source records attributed to Peter Höflich.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Measurement of the $\mathrm{^{25}Al(d,n)^{26}Si}$ reaction and impact on the $\mathrm{^{25}Al(p,γ)^{26}Si}$ reaction rate

The $\mathrm{^{25}Al(p,γ)^{26}Si}$ reaction is part of a reaction network with impact on the observed galactic $^{26}$Al abundance. A new determination of the proton strength of the lowest $\ell=0$ proton-resonance in $^{26}$Si is required to more precisely calculate the thermal reaction rate. To this end, the $\mathrm{^{25}Al(d,n)^{26}Si}$ proton-transfer reaction is measured in inverse kinematics using an in-flight radioactive beam at the RESOLUT facility. Excitation energies of the lowest $^{26}$Si proton resonances are measured and cross sections are determined for the lowest $\ell=0$ resonance associated with the $3^{+}_{3}$ state at 5.92(2) MeV. Coupled reaction channels (CRC) calculations using FRESCO are performed to extract the $\ell=0$ spectroscopic factor for the $3^{+}_{3}$ state. The proton width for the $3^{+}_{3}$ state in $^{26}$Si is determined to be $Γ_{p}$=2.19(45) eV and the $(p,γ)$ resonance strength for the $3^{+}_{3}$ state is extracted as 26(10) meV. This resonance dominates the $\mathrm{^{25}Al(p,γ)^{26}Si}$ reaction rate above 0.2 GK.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

An independent determination of the distance to supernova SN 1987A by means of the light echo AT 2019xis

Accurate distance determination to astrophysical objects is essential for the understanding of their intrinsic brightness and size. The distance to SN 1987A has been previously measured by the expanding photosphere method, and by using the angular size of the circumstellar rings with absolute sizes derived from light curves of narrow UV emission lines, with reported distances ranging from 46.77 kpc to 55 kpc. In this study, we independently determined the distance to SN 1987A using photometry and imaging polarimetry observations of AT 2019xis, a light echo of SN 1987A, by adopting a radiative transfer model of the light echo developed in Ding et al. (2021). We obtained distances to SN 1987A in the range from 49.09 $\pm$ 2.16 kpc to 59.39 $\pm$ 3.27 kpc, depending on the interstellar polarization and extinction corrections, which are consistent with the literature values. This study demonstrates the potential of using light echoes as a tool for distance determination to astrophysical objects in the Milky Way, up to kiloparsec level scales.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

An imaging polarimetry survey of Type Ia supernovae: are peculiar extinction and polarization properties produced by circumstellar or interstellar matter?

Some highly reddened Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) display low total-to-selective extinction ratios ($R_V \lesssim 2$) in comparison to that of typical Milky Way dust ($R_V \approx 3.3$), and polarization curves that rise steeply to blue wavelengths, with peak polarization values at short wavelengths ($λ_{\rm max} < 0.4$ $μ$m) in comparison to the typical Galactic values ($λ_{\rm max} \approx 0.55$ $μ$m). Understanding the source of these properties could provide insight into the progenitor systems of SNe Ia. We aim to determine whether they are the result of the host galaxy's interstellar dust or circumstellar dust. This is accomplished by analysing the continuum polarization of 66 SNe Ia in dust-rich spiral galaxies and 13 SNe Ia in dust-poor elliptical galaxies as a function of normalised galactocentric distance. We find that there is a general trend of SNe Ia in spiral galaxies displaying increased polarization values when located closer to the host galaxies' centre, while SNe Ia in elliptical host galaxies display low polarization. Furthermore, all highly polarized SNe Ia in spiral host galaxies display polarization curves rising toward blue wavelengths, while no evidence of such polarization properties is shown in elliptical host galaxies. This indicates that the source of the peculiar polarization curves is likely the result of interstellar material as opposed to circumstellar material. The peculiar polarization and extinction properties observed toward some SNe Ia may be explained by the radiative torque disruption mechanism induced by the SN or the interstellar radiation field.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

Spectropolarimetry of the Type Ia SN 2019ein rules out significant global asphericity of the ejecta

Detailed spectropolarimetric studies may hold the key to probing the explosion mechanisms and the progenitor scenarios of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). We present multi-epoch spectropolarimetry and imaging polarimetry of SN 2019ein, an SN Ia showing high expansion velocities at early phases. The spectropolarimetry sequence spans from $\sim -11$ to $+$10 days relative to peak brightness in the $B$-band. We find that the level of the continuum polarization of SN 2019ein, after subtracting estimated interstellar polarization, is in the range $0.0-0.3\%$, typical for SNe Ia. The polarization position angle remains roughly constant before and after the SN light-curve peak, implying that the inner regions share the same axisymmetry as the outer layers. We observe high polarization ($\sim 1\%$) across both the Si II $\lambda6355$ and Ca II near-infrared triplet features. These two lines also display complex polarization modulations. The spectropolarimetric properties of SN 2019ein rule out a significant departure from spherical symmetry of the ejecta for up to a month after the explosion. These observations disfavour merger-induced and double-detonation models for SN 2019ein. The imaging polarimetry shows weak evidence for a modest increase in polarization after $\sim 20$ days since the $B$-band maximum. If this rise is real and is observed in other SNe Ia at similar phases, we may have seen, for the first time, an aspherical interior similar to what has been previously observed for SNe IIP. Future polarization observations of SNe Ia extending to post-peak epochs will help to examine the inner structure of the explosion.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

Linear spectropolarimetry of 35 Type Ia Supernovae with VLT/FORS: An analysis of the Si II line polarization

Spectropolarimetry enables us to measure the geometry and chemical structure of the ejecta in supernova explosions, which is fundamental for the understanding of their explosion mechanism(s) and progenitor systems. We collected archival data of 35 Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia), observed with FORS on the Very Large Telescope at 127 epochs in total. We examined the polarization of the Si II $λ$6355 $Å$ line (p$_{\rm Si II}$) as a function of time which is seen to peak at a range of various polarization degrees and epochs relative to maximum brightness. We reproduced the $Δ$m$_{15}$-p$_{\rm Si II}$ relationship identified in a previous study, and show that subluminous and transitional objects display polarization values below the $Δ$m$_{15}$-p$_{\rm Si II}$ relationship for normal SNe Ia. We found a statistically significant linear relationship between the polarization of the Si II $λ$6355 $Å$ line before maximum brightness and the Si II line velocity and suggest that this, along with the $Δ$m$_{15}$-p$_{\rm Si II}$ relationship, may be explained in the context of a delayed-detonation model. In contrast, we compared our observations to numerical predictions in the $Δ$m$_{15}$-v$_{\rm Si II}$ plane and found a dichotomy in the polarization properties between Chandrasekhar and sub-Chandrasekhar mass explosions, which supports the possibility of two distinct explosion mechanisms. A subsample of SNe display evolution of loops in the $q$-$u$ plane that suggests a more complex Si structure with depth. This insight, which could not be gleaned from total flux spectra, presents a new constraint on explosion models. Finally, we compared our statistical sample of the Si II polarization to quantitative predictions of the polarization levels for the double-detonation, delayed-detonation, and violent-merger models.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2017

Spectropolarimetry of the Type Ib Supernova iPTF 13bvn: Revealing the complex explosion geometry of a stripped-envelope core-collapse supernova

We present six epochs of spectropolarimetric observations and one epoch of spectroscopy of the Type Ib SN iPTF 13bvn. The epochs of these observations correspond to $-$10 to $+$61 days with respect to the {\it r}-band light curve maximum. The continuum is intrinsically polarised to the $0.2-0.4\%$ level throughout the observations, implying asphericities of $\sim10\%$ in the shape of the photosphere. We observe significant line polarisation associated with the spectral features of Ca II IR3, He I/Na I D, He I λλ6678, 7065, Fe II λ4924 and O I λ7774. We propose that an absorption feature at $\sim 6200\mathrmÅ$, usually identified as Si II $λ6355$, is most likely to be high velocity $\mathrm{Hα}$ at $-16,400$ $\mathrm{km \; s^{-1}}$. Two distinctly polarised components, separated in velocity, are detected for both He I/Na I D and Ca II IR3, indicating the presence of two discrete line forming regions in the ejecta in both radial velocity space and in the plane of the sky. We use the polarisation of He I $λ5876$ as a tracer of sources of non-thermal excitation in the ejecta; finding that the bulk of the radioactive nickel was constrained to lie interior to $\sim 50-65\%$ of the ejecta radius. The observed polarisation is also discussed in the context of the possible progenitor system of iPTF 13bvn, with our observations favouring the explosion of a star with an extended, distorted envelope rather than a compact Wolf-Rayet star.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

Spectropolarimetry of the 2012 outburst of SN 2009ip: a bi-polar explosion in a dense, disk-like CSM

We present a sequence of eight spectropolarimetric observations monitoring the geometric evolution of the late phase of the major 2012 outburst of SN 2009ip. These were acquired with the FORS2 polarimeter mounted on ESO VLT. The continuum was polarised at 0.3-0.8 per cent throughout the observations, showing that the photosphere deviated substantially from spherical symmetry by 10-15 per cent. Significant line polarisation is detected for both hydrogen and helium at high velocities. The similarity in the polarised signal between these elements indicates that they form in the same location in the ejecta. The line polarisation (p$\sim$1-1.5 per cent) at low velocities revealed the presence of a highly-aspherical hydrogen and helium rich circumstellar medium (CSM). Monte Carlo simulations of the observed polarimetry were performed in an effort to constrain the shape of the CSM. The simulations imply that the polarimetry can be understood within the framework of a disk-like CSM inclined by 14$\pm$2 degrees out of the line of sight, obscuring the photosphere only at certain epochs. The varying temporal evolution of polarisation at high and low velocities indicated that the fast-moving ejecta expanded with a preferred direction orthogonal to that of the CSM.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

Mid-IR Spectra of Type Ia SN 2014J in M82 Spanning the First Four Months

We present a time series of 8 - 13 $μ$m spectra and photometry for SN 2014J obtained 57, 81, 108, and 137 d after the explosion using CanariCam on the Gran Telescopio Canarias. This is the first mid-IR time series ever obtained for a Type Ia supernova. These observations can be understood within the framework of the delayed detonation model and the production of $\sim$0.6 $\rm M_\odot$ of $^{56}$Ni, consistent with the observed brightness, the brightness decline relation, and the $γ$-ray fluxes. The [Co III] line at 11.888 $μ$m is particularly useful for evaluating the time evolution of the photosphere and measuring the amount of $^{56}$Ni and thus the mass of the ejecta. Late-time line profiles of SN 2014J are rather symmetric and not shifted in the rest frame. We see Argon emission, which provides a unique probe of mixing in the transition layer between incomplete burning and nuclear statistical equilibrium. We may see [Fe III] and [Ni IV] emission, both of which are observed to be substantially stronger than indicated by our models. If the latter identification is correct, then we are likely observing stable Ni, which might imply central mixing. In addition, electron capture, also required for stable Ni, requires densities larger than $\sim$$1 \times 10^9$ g cm$^{-3}$, which are expected to be present only in white dwarfs close to the Chandrasekhar limit. This study demonstrates that mid-IR studies of Type Ia supernovae are feasible from the ground and provide unique information, but it also indicates the need for better atomic data.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2007

SN 2005ap: A Most Brilliant Explosion

We present unfiltered photometric observations with ROTSE-III and optical spectroscopic follow-up with the HET and Keck of the most luminous supernova yet identified, SN 2005ap. The spectra taken about 3 days before and 6 days after maximum light show narrow emission lines (likely originating in the dwarf host) and absorption lines at a redshift of z=0.2832, which puts the peak unfiltered magnitude at -22.7 +/- 0.1 absolute. Broad P-Cygni features corresponding to H-alpha, CIII, NIII, and OIII, are further detected with a photospheric velocity of ~20,000 km/s. Unlike other highly luminous supernovae such as 2006gy and 2006tf that show slow photometric evolution, the light curve of SN 2005ap indicates a 1-3 week rise to peak followed by a relatively rapid decay. The spectra also lack the distinct emission peaks from moderately broadened (FWHM ~ 2,000 km/s) Balmer lines seen in SN 2006gy and SN 2006tf. We briefly discuss the origin of the extraordinary luminosity from a strong interaction as may be expected from a pair instability eruption or a GRB-like engine encased in a H/He envelope.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

SN 2005hj: Evidence for Two Classes of Normal-Bright SNe Ia and Implications for Cosmology

HET Optical spectra covering the evolution from about 6 days before to about 5 weeks after maximum light and the ROTSE-IIIb unfiltered light curve of the "Branch-normal" Type Ia Supernova SN 2005hj are presented. The host galaxy shows HII region lines at redshift of z=0.0574, which puts the peak unfiltered absolute magnitude at a somewhat over-luminous -19.6. The spectra show weak and narrow SiII lines, and for a period of at least 10 days beginning around maximum light these profiles do not change in width or depth and they indicate a constant expansion velocity of ~10,600 km/s. We analyzed the observations based on detailed radiation dynamical models in the literature. Whereas delayed detonation and deflagration models have been used to explain the majority of SNe Ia, they do not predict a long velocity plateau in the SiII minimum with an unvarying line profile. Pulsating delayed detonations and merger scenarios form shell-like density structures with properties mostly related to the mass of the shell, M_shell, and we discuss how these models may explain the observed SiII line evolution; however, these models are based on spherical calculations and other possibilities may exist. SN 2005hj is consistent with respect to the onset, duration, and velocity of the plateau, the peak luminosity and, within the uncertainties, with the intrinsic colors for models with M_shell=0.2 M_sun. Our analysis suggests a distinct class of events hidden within the Branch-normal SNe Ia. If the predicted relations between observables are confirmed, they may provide a way to separate these two groups. We discuss the implications of two distinct progenitor classes on cosmological studies employing SNe Ia, including possible differences in the peak luminosity to light curve width relation.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

SN 2006bp: Probing the Shock Breakout of a Type II-P Supernova

HET optical spectroscopy and unfiltered ROTSE-III photometry spanning the first 11 months since explosion of the Type II-P SN 2006bp are presented. Flux limits from the days before discovery combined with the initial rapid brightening suggest the supernova was first detected just hours after shock breakout. Optical spectra obtained about 2 days after breakout exhibit narrow emission lines corresponding to HeII 4200, HeII 4686, and CIV 5805 in the rest frame, and these features persist in a second observation obtained 5 hours later; however, these emission lines are not detected the following night nor in subsequent observations. We suggest that these lines emanate from material close to the explosion site, possibly in the outer layers of the progenitor that have been ionized by the high energy photons released at shock breakout. A P-Cygni profile is observed around 4450 A in the +2 and +3 day spectra. Previous studies have attributed this feature to high velocity H-beta, but we discuss the possibility that this profile is instead due to HeII 4687. Further HET observations (14 nights in total) covering the spectral evolution across the photometric plateau up to 73 days after breakout and during the nebular phase around day +340 are presented, and expansion velocities are derived for key features. The measured decay slope for the unfiltered light curve is 0.0073 +/- 0.0004 mag/day between days +121 and +335, which is significantly slower than the decay of rate 56Co. We combine our HET measurements with published X-ray, UV, and optical data to obtain a quasi-bolometric light curve through day +60. We see a slow cooling over the first 25 days, but no sign of an early sharp peak; any such feature from the shock breakout must have lasted less than ~1 day.[ABRIDGED]

astro-ph↗

arXiv1998

Type Ia Supernovae: Influence of the Progenitor on the Explosion

The influence of the initial composition and structure of the exploding white dwarf on the nucleosynthesis and structure of Type Ia Supernovae has been studied. The progenitor structures are based on detailed stellar evolutionary tracks for stars in the mass range between 1 to 9 $M_\odot$ using the state of the art code FRANEC. The calculations of the thermonuclear explosions are based on a set of delayed detonation models which give a good account of the optical and infrared light curves and of the spectral evolution. Our code solves the hydrodynamical equations explicitly by the piecewise parabolic method. Nuclear burning is taken into account using an extended network of 218 nuclei. In principle, our calculations allow the observed spectra and light curve to be linked to the progenitor. Moreover, our study is relevant to estimate potential evolution in the progenitor population at cosmological time scales.

astro-ph↗