Near-infrared spectral evolution of the Type Ia supernova 2014J in the nebular phase: implications for the progenitor system

TL;DR

This study presents late-time near-infrared spectra of SN 2014J, revealing insights into its explosion mechanism, progenitor system, and ejecta asymmetry, supporting a Chandrasekhar-mass delayed detonation model with off-center ignition.

Contribution

First detailed near-infrared spectral series of SN 2014J at late times, providing evidence for a Chandrasekhar-mass delayed detonation with asymmetric features and limited iron mixing.

Findings

Consistent with a Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf explosion.

Evidence of limited mixing of iron group elements.

Detection of asymmetry suggesting off-center ignition.

Abstract

As the closest Type Ia supernova in decades, SN 2014J provides a unique opportunity for detailed investigation into observational signatures of the progenitor system and explosion mechanism in addition to burning product distribution. We present a late-time near-infrared spectral series from Gemini-N at $307-466$ days after the explosion. Following the $H$-band evolution probes the distribution of radioactive iron group elements, the extent of mixing, and presence of magnetic fields in the expanding ejecta. Comparing the isolated $1.6440$ $\mu$m [Fe II] emission line with synthetic models shows consistency with a Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf of $\rho_c=0.7\times10^9$ g cm${}^{-3}$ undergoing a delayed detonation. The ratio of the flux in the neighboring $1.54$ $\mu$m emission feature to the flux in the $1.6440$ $\mu$m feature shows evidence of some limited mixing of stable and radioactive iron group elements in the central regions. Additionally, the evolution of the $1.6440$ $\mu$m line shows an intriguing asymmetry. When measuring line-width of this feature, the data show an increase in line width not seen in the evolution of the synthetic spectra, corresponding to $\approx1{,}000$ km s${}^{-1}$, which could be caused by a localized transition to detonation producing asymmetric ionization in the ejecta. Using the difference in width between the different epochs, an asymmetric component in the central regions, corresponding to approximately the inner $2\times10^{-4}$ of white dwarf mass suggests an off-center ignition of the initial explosion and hence of the kinematic center from the chemical center. Several additional models investigated, including a He detonation and a merger, have difficulty reproducing the features seen these spectra.