A two-component model for fitting light curves of core-collapse supernovae

Abstract

We present an improved version of a light curve model, which is able to estimate the physical properties of different types of core-collapse supernovae having double-peaked light curves, in a quick and efficient way. The model is based on a two-component configuration consisting of a dense, inner region and an extended, low-mass envelope. Using this configuration, we estimate the initial parameters of the progenitor via fitting the shape of the quasi-bolometric light curves of 10 SNe, including Type IIP and IIb events, with model light curves. In each case we compare the fitting results with available hydrodynamic calculations, and also match the derived expansion velocities with the observed ones. Furthermore, we also compare our calculations with hydrodynamic models derived by the SNEC code, and examine the uncertainties of the estimated physical parameters caused by the assumption of constant opacity and the inaccurate knowledge of the moment of explosion.