Multi-epoch Spectropolarimetry of SN 2011fe

TL;DR

This study presents multi-epoch spectropolarimetric observations of SN 2011fe, revealing time-dependent polarization indicating evolving asymmetry in the supernova explosion.

Contribution

First detailed multi-epoch spectropolarimetry of SN 2011fe showing temporal polarization changes across absorption lines and continuum.

Findings

Continuum polarization of 0.2-0.4% suggests persistent asymmetry.

Polarization across Si II 6355 varies dramatically over time.

Polarization angle shifts indicate evolving large-scale asymmetry.

Abstract

We present multiple spectropolarimetric observations of the nearby Type Ia supernova SN 2011fe in M101, obtained before, during, and after the time of maximum apparent visual brightness. SN 2011fe exhibits time-dependent polarization in both the continuum and strong absorption lines. At all epochs, red wavelengths exhibit a degree of continuum polarizaiton of 0.2-0.4 per cent, likely indicative of persistent asymmetry in the electron-scattering photosphere. However, the degree of polarization across the Si II 6355 absorption line varies dramatically from epoch to epoch. Before maximum, Si II 6355 shows enhanced polarization at the same position angle (PA) as the polarized continuum. During two epochs near maximum, however, Si II 6355 absorption has a lower degree of polarization, with a PA that is 90deg from the continuum. After maximum, the absorption feature has the same degree of polarization and PA as the adjacent continuum. Another absorption feature in the blue (either Si II 5051 or a blend with Fe II lines) shows qualitatively similar changes, although the changes are shifted in time to an earlier epoch. This behavior is similar to that seen in broad absorption-line quasars, where the polarization in absorption features has been interpreted as the line absorbing some of the unpolarized continuum flux. This behavior, along with the 90deg shifts of the polarization PA with time, imply a time-dependent large-scale asymmetry in the explosion.