Feeding post core collapse supernova explosion jets with an inflated main sequence companion

TL;DR

This study models how an inflated main sequence star, affected by a supernova explosion in a binary system, can feed jets that influence supernova brightness and shape, suggesting a rare but significant mechanism for powering certain supernovae.

Contribution

It introduces a new scenario where a main sequence star's response to a supernova explosion can lead to jet formation that impacts supernova evolution and morphology.

Findings

Jets can power superluminous supernovae for extended periods.

Inflated main sequence stars can engulf the neutron star, enabling jet formation.

Jets may shape the supernova ejecta into bipolar structures.

Abstract

We simulate the response of a main sequence star to the explosion of a stripped-envelope (type Ib or Ic) core collapse supernova (CCSN) when the main sequence star orbits the core at a distance of 10-20Ro at explosion. We use the stellar evolution code MESA to follow the response of main sequence stars of masses 3Mo and 7Mo to energy deposition and mass removal. The collision of the CCSN ejecta with the main sequence star deposits energy and inflate the main sequence star. If the binary system stays bound after the CCSN explosion the inflated main sequence star might engulf the newly born neutron star (NS). We assume that the NS accretes mass through an accretion disk and launches jets. The jets remove mass from the inflated main sequence star and collide with the CCSN ejecta. Although this scenario is rare, it adds up to other rare scenarios to further support the notion that many stripped envelope CCSNe are powered by late jets. The late jets can power these CCSNe-I for a long time and might power bumps in their lightcurve. The jets might also shape the inner ejecta to a bipolar morphology. Our results further support suggestions that there are several ways to feed a NS (or a black hole) to launch the late jets in superluminous supernovae.