Puzzling High-Velocity Calcium Absorption Features Of Type Ia Supernovae

TL;DR

This paper investigates the puzzling behaviors of high-velocity calcium absorption features in Type Ia supernovae, revealing unexpected correlations that challenge existing understanding of supernova ejecta composition and dynamics.

Contribution

It uncovers novel anti-correlations and positive correlations in calcium HVFs, contrasting with silicon and oxygen, providing new insights into supernova physics and element synthesis layers.

Findings

Anti-correlation between HVF and PHO line strengths for calcium

Positive correlation between velocity difference and line strength ratio for calcium

Distinct behavior of calcium HVFs compared to silicon and oxygen HVFs

Abstract

Absorption features Ca II NIR and Ca II H&K of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are characterized by their strong high-velocity features (HVFs). We find that, for these two features of calcium there is a puzzling anti-correlation between the line strengths of HVF and photospheric (PHO) components, and an unexpected positive correlation between the velocity difference and line strength ratio of HVF and PHO components. In comparison, HVFs of Si II $\lambda$6355 and O I $\lambda$7773 show a positive correlation between the line strengths of HVF and PHO components, and no clear correlation between the velocity difference and line strength ratio of the two components. The differences may be associated with the fact that calcium was mostly synthesized in deeper layers than silicon and oxygen, and thus experienced much more serious blocking by substances in outer layers. These observations can shed light on the physics of HVFs.