Double-degenerate Model Research Articles

Past and Future of a Type Ia Supernovae Progenitor Candidate HD 265435

As one of the most useful cosmological distance indicators, type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) play an important role in the study of cosmology. However, the progenitors of SNe Ia are still uncertain. It has been suggested that carbon-oxygen white dwarf (CO WD)+He subgiant systems could produce SNe Ia through the double-degenerate (DD) model, in which the He subgiant transfers He-rich matter to the primary CO WD and finally evolves to another CO WD. Recently, a CO WD+He star system (i.e., HD 265435) has been discovered to be a new SNe Ia progenitor candidate based on the DD model. The orbital period of the system is about 0.0688 days, and the masses of the CO WD and the He star are 1.01 ± 0.15 M ⊙ and M ⊙, respectively. In this work, we evolve a large number of primordial binaries to the formation of CO WD+He star systems and investigate the evolutionary history of HD 265435. We find that HD 265435 may originate from a primordial binary that has a 5.18 M ⊙ primary and a 3.66 M ⊙ secondary with an initial orbital period of 5200 days. The CO WD+He star system would be formed after the primordial binary experiences two common-envelope ejection processes. We also find that HD 265435 would evolve to a double WD system with a total mass of 1.58 M ⊙ after a stable mass-transfer process, and the double WD system would merge driven by gravitational wave radiation. We estimate that it would take about 76 Myr for HD 265435 to form an SN Ia. In addition, HD 265435 would be a potential target of space-based gravitational wave observatories (e.g., LISA, Taiji and TianQin).

Revealing Double White Dwarf Mergers with Multi-messenger Signals

A significant number of double white dwarfs (DWDs) are believed to merge within the Hubble time due to the gravitational wave (GW) emission during their inspiraling phase. The outcome of a DWD system is either a type Ia Supernova as the double-degenerate model, or a massive, long-lasting merger remnant. Expected multi-messenger signals of these events will help us to distinguish detailed merging physical processes. In this work, we aim to provide a generic scenario of DWD merging, investigate the emission of all major messengers, with a focus on GWs and neutrinos. Our goal is to provide some guidance for current and future (collaborative) efforts of multi-messenger observations. Throughout the merging evolution of a DWD system, different messengers (GW, neutrino and electromagnetic wave) will dominate at different times. In this work, we show that DWD merger events located at the distance of 1 kpc can indeed produce detectable signals of GWs and neutrinos. The GW frequency is in 0.3–0.6 Hz band around 10 days before tidal disruption begins. We estimate that in optimistic situations, the neutrino number detected by upcoming detectors such as JUNO and Hyper-Kamiokande can reach O(1) for a DWD merging event at ∼1 kpc.

The Double Detonation of a Double-degenerate System, from Type Ia Supernova Explosion to its Supernova Remnant

Type Ia supernovae (SNe) are believed to be caused by the thermonuclear explosion of a white dwarf (WD), but the nature of the progenitor system(s) is still unclear. Recent theoretical and observational developments have led to renewed interest in double-degenerate models, in particular the “helium-ignited violent merger” or “dynamically driven double-degenerate double-detonation” (D6). In this paper we take the output of an existing D6 SN model and carry it into the supernova remnant (SNR) phase up to 4000 yr after the explosion, past the time when all the ejecta have been shocked. Assuming a uniform ambient medium, we reveal specific signatures of the explosion mechanism and spatial variations intrinsic to the ejecta. The first detonation produces an ejecta tail visible at early times, while the second detonation leaves a central density peak in the ejecta that is visible at late times. The SNR shell is off-center at all times, because of an initial velocity shift due to binary motion. The companion WD produces a large conical shadow in the ejecta, visible in projection as a dark patch surrounded by a bright ring. This is a clear and long-lasting feature that is localized, and its impact on the observed morphology is dependent on the viewing angle of the SNR. These results offer a new way to diagnose the explosion mechanism and progenitor system using observations of a Type Ia SNR.

The gravitational wave emission of double white dwarf coalescences

Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) are widely used as standard candles to probe the Universe. However, how these fierce explosions are produced itself is still a highly debated issue. There are mainly two popular models for SNe Ia: the double-degenerate scenario and the single-degenerate scenario. The double-degenerate scenario suggests that SNe Ia are produced by the coalescence of two degenerate white dwarfs, while the single-degenerate scenario suggests that the continuous accretion of a single degenerate white dwarf from its normal stellar companion will finally lead to a disastrous explosion when it is over-massive, resulting in an SN Ia. The rapid development of the gravitational wave astronomy sheds new light on the nature of SNe Ia. In this study, we calculate the gravitational wave emissions of double white dwarf coalescences and compare them with the sensitivities of several upcoming detectors. It is found that the gravitational wave emissions from double white dwarf mergers in the local universe are strong enough to be detected by LISA. We argue that LISA-like gravitational wave detectors sensitive in the frequency range of 0.01 — 0.1 Hz will be a powerful tool to test the double-degenerate model of SNe Ia, and also to probe the Universe.

Past and future of the central double-degenerate core of Henize 2–428

It has been suggested that Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) could be produced in the conditions of the violent merger scenario of the double-degenerate model, in which a thermonuclear explosion could be produced when a double carbon-oxygen white dwarf (CO WD) merges. It has been recently found that the nucleus of the bipolar planetary nebula Henize 2–428 consists of a double CO WD system that has a total mass of ∼ 1.76 M⊙, a mass ratio of ∼ 1 and an orbital period of ∼ 4.2 h, which is the first and only discovered progenitor candidate for an SN Ia predicted by the violent merger scenario. In this work, we aim to reproduce the evolutionary history of the central double CO WD of Henize 2–428. We find that the planetary nebula Henize 2–428 may originate from a primordial binary that has a ∼5.4 M⊙ primary and a ∼ 2.7 M⊙ secondary with an initial orbital period of ∼ 15.9 d. The double CO WD was formed after the primordial binary experienced two Roche-lobe overflows and two common-envelope ejection processes. According to our calculations, it takes about ∼ 840Myr for the double CO WD to merge and form an SN Ia driven by gravitational wave radiation after their birth. To produce the current status of Henize 2–428, a large common-envelope parameter is needed. We also estimate that the rate of SNe Ia from the violent merger scenario is at most 2.9 × 10−4 yr−1, and that the delay time is in the range of ∼ 90 Myr to the Hubble time.

Three-dimensional Simulation of Double Detonations in the Double-degenerate Model for Type Ia Supernovae and Interaction of Ejecta with a Surviving White Dwarf Companion

Abstract We study the hydrodynamics and nucleosynthesis in the double-detonation model of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and the interaction between the ejecta and a surviving white dwarf (WD) companion in the double-degenerate scenario. We set up a binary star system with 1.0 and 0.6 M ⊙ carbon–oxygen (CO) WDs, where the primary WD consists of a CO core and helium (He) shell with 0.95 and 0.05 M ⊙, respectively. We follow the evolution of the binary star system from the initiation of an He detonation, ignition and propagation of a CO detonation, and the interaction of SN ejecta with the companion WD. The companion (or surviving) WD gets a flung-away velocity of ∼1700 km s−1 and captures 56Ni of ∼0.03 M ⊙ and He of . Such He can be detected on the surface of surviving WDs. The SN ejecta contains a “companion-origin stream” and unburned materials stripped from the companion WD ( ), although the stream compositions would depend on the He shell mass of the companion WD. The ejecta has also a velocity shift of ∼1000 km s−1 due to the binary motion of the exploding primary WD. These features would be prominent in nebular-phase spectra of oxygen emission lines from the unburned materials like SN 2010lp and iPTF14atg and of blue- or redshifted Fe-group emission lines from the velocity shift like a part of subluminous SNe Ia. We expect that SN Ia counterparts to the D6 model would leave these fingerprints for SN Ia observations.

The outcomes of carbon–oxygen white dwarfs accreting CO-rich material

The double-degenerate model, involving the merger of double carbon-oxygen white dwarfs (CO WDs), is one of the two classic models for the progenitors of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). Previous studies suggested that off-centre carbon burning would occur if the mass-accretion rate (Macc) is relatively high during the merging process, leading to the formation of oxygen-neon (ONe) cores that may collapse into neutron stars. However, the off-centre carbon burning is still incompletely understood, especially when the inwardly propagating burning wave reaches the centre. In this paper, we aim to investigate the propagating characteristics of burning waves and the subsequently evolutionary outcomes of these CO cores. We simulated the long-term evolution of CO WDs that accrete CO-rich material by employing the stellar evolution code MESA on the basis of the thick-disc assumption. We found that the final outcomes of CO WDs strongly depend on Macc (Msun/yr) based on the thick-disc assumption, which can be divided into four regions: (1) explosive carbon ignition in the centre, then SNe Ia (Macc < 2.45*10^-6); (2) OSi cores, then neutron stars (2.45*10^-6 < Macc < 4.5*10^-6); (3) ONe cores, then e-capture SNe (4.5*10^-6 < Macc < 1.05*10^-5); (4) off-centre oxygen and neon ignition, then off-centre explosion or Si-Fe cores (Macc > 1.05*10^-5). Our results indicate that the final fates of double CO WD mergers are strongly dependent on the merging processes (e.g. slow merger, fast merger, composite merger, violent merger, etc.).

Surface and Core Detonations in Rotating White Dwarfs

The feasibility of the Double Detonation mechanism, -a surface Helium-detonation followed by the complete carbon detonation of the core-, in a rotating white dwarf with a mass $\simeq 1 M_{\odot}$ is studied using three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations. Assuming rigid rotation, the rotational speed is taken high enough as to considerably distort the initial spherical geometry of the white dwarf. Unlike spherically symmetric models, we found that when helium ignition is located far from the spinning axis the detonation fronts converge asynchronically at the antipodes of the igniting point. Nevertheless, the detonation of the carbon core still remains as the most probable outcome. The detonation of the core gives rise to a strong explosion, matching many of the basic observational constraints of Type Ia Supernova. We conclude that the Double Detonation mechanism also works when the white dwarf is spinning fast. This confirms the sub-Chandrasekhar-mass models and, maybe some Double Degenerate models (those having some helium fuel at the merging moment), as appealing channels to produce Type Ia Supernova events.

Mass-accreting white dwarfs and type Ia supernovae

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) play a prominent role in understanding the evolution of the Universe. They are thought to be thermonuclear explosions of mass-accreting carbon-oxygen white dwarfs (CO WDs) in binaries, although the mass donors of the accreting WDs are still not well determined. In this article, I review recent studies on mass-accreting WDs, including H- and He-accreting WDs. I also review currently most studied progenitor models of SNe Ia, i.e., the single-degenerate model (including the WD+MS channel, the WD+RG channel and the WD+He star channel), the double-degenerate model (including the violent merger scenario) and the sub-Chandrasekhar mass model. Recent progress on these progenitor models is discussed, including the initial parameter space for producing SNe Ia, the binary evolutionary paths to SNe Ia, the progenitor candidates for SNe Ia, the possible surviving companion stars of SNe Ia, some observational constraints, etc. Some other potential progenitor models of SNe Ia are also summarized, including the hybrid CONe WD model, the core-degenerate model, the double WD collision model, the spin-up/spin-down model and the model of WDs near black holes. To date, it seems that two or more progenitor models are needed to explain the observed diversity among SNe Ia.

Mapping Circumstellar Matter with Polarized Light: The Case of Supernova 2014J in M82

Abstract Optical polarimetry is an effective way of probing the environment of a supernova for dust. We acquired linear HST ACS/WFC polarimetry in bands , , and of the supernova (SN) 2014J in M82 at six epochs from ∼277 days to ∼1181 days after the B-band maximum. The polarization measured at day 277 shows conspicuous deviations from other epochs. These differences can be attributed to at least ∼ of circumstellar dust located at a distance of from the SN. The scattering dust grains revealed by these observations seem to be aligned with the dust in the interstellar medium that is responsible for the large reddening toward the supernova. The presence of this circumstellar dust sets strong constraints on the progenitor system that led to the explosion of SN 2014J; however, it cannot discriminate between single- and double-degenerate models.

The double-degenerate model for the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae

The double-degenerate (DD) model, involving the merging of massive double carbon-oxygen white dwarfs (CO WDs) driven by gravitational wave radiation, is one of the classical pathways for the formation of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). Recently, it has been proposed that the WD+He subgiant channel has a significant contribution to the production of massive double WDs, in which the primary WD accumulates mass by accreting He-rich matter from a He subgiant. We evolved about 1800 CO WD+He star systems and obtained a large and dense grid for producing SNe Ia through the DD model. We then performed a series of binary population synthesis simulations for the DD model, in which the WD+He subgiant channel is calculated by interpolations in this grid. According to our standard model, the Galactic birthrate of SNe Ia is about 2.4*10^{-3} yr^{-1} for the WD+He subgiant channel of the DD model; the total birthrate is about 3.7*10^{-3} yr^{-1} for all channels, reproducing that of observations. Previous theoretical models still have deficit with the observed SNe Ia with delay times <1 Gyr and >8 Gyr. After considering the WD+He subgiant channel, we found that the delay time distributions is comparable with the observed results. Additionally, some recent studies proposed that the violent WD mergers are more likely to produce SNe Ia based on the DD model. We estimated that the violent mergers through the DD model may only contribute to about 16% of all SNe Ia.

Whimper of a Bang: Documenting the Final Days of the Nearby Type Ia Supernova 2011fe

Abstract Using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Large Binocular Telescope, we followed the evolution of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2011fe for an unprecedented 1840 days past B-band maximum light and over a factor of 7 million in flux. At 1840 days, the 4000 – 17000 Å quasi-bolometric luminosity is just ( 420 ± 20 ) L ⊙ . By measuring the late-time quasi-bolometric light curve, we present the first confident detection of 57Co decay in a SN Ia light curve and estimate a mass ratio of log ( 57 Co / 56 Co ) = − 1.59 − 0.07 + 0.06 . We do not have a clean detection of 55 Fe , but find a limit of 55 Fe / 57 Co &lt; 0.22 with 99% confidence. These abundance ratios provide unique constraints on the progenitor system because the central density of the exploding white dwarf(s) dictates these nucleosynthetic yields. The observed ratios strongly prefer the lower central densities of double-degenerate models ( 55 Fe / 57 Co = 0.27 ) over the higher central densities of near-Chandrasekhar-mass single-degenerate models ( 55 Fe / 57 Co = 0.68 ). However, additional theoretical studies predicting isotopic yields from a broader range of progenitor systems are motivated by these unique observations. We will continue to observe SN 2011fe for another ∼600 days with HST and possibly beyond.

Using large spectroscopic surveys to test the double degenerate model for Type Ia supernovae

An observational constraint on the contribution of double degenerates to Type Ia supernovae requires multiple radial velocity measurements of ideally thousands of white dwarfs. This is because only a small fraction of the double degenerate population is massive enough, with orbital periods short enough, to be considered viable Type Ia progenitors. We show how the radial velocity information available from public surveys such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey can be used to pre-select targets for variability, leading to a ten-fold reduction in observing time required compared to an unranked or random survey. We carry out Monte Carlo simulations to quantify the detection probability of various types of binaries in the survey and show that this method, even in the most pessimistic case, doubles the survey size of the largest survey to date (the SPY survey) in less than 15 per cent of the required observing time. Our initial follow-up observations corroborate the method, yielding 15 binaries so far (eight known and seven new), as well as orbital periods for four of the new binaries.

Using large spectroscopic surveys to test the double degenerate model for Type Ia supernovae

Using large spectroscopic surveys to test the double degenerate model for Type Ia supernovae

Double CO WD systems from the WD+He subgiant channel and type Ia supernovae

Abstract Recent studies suggested that at least some of the observed SNe Ia originate from the double-degenerate model, which involves the merging of double carbon-oxygen white dwarfs (CO WDs). However, the delay time distributions predicted by previous theoretical studies are inconsistent with the observed SNe Ia at the early epoches of &lt; 1 Gyr and old epoches of &gt; 8 Gyr. Previous studies suggested that the CO WD+He subgiant channel has a significant contribution to the formation of massive double CO WDs, the merging ofwhich may produce SNe Ia. In the presentwork, we added this channel into the double-degenerate model to investigate its influence on the delay time distributions of SNe Ia. We found that the delay time distributions would match better with the observed SNe Ia when the CO WD+He subgiant channel is included in the double-degenerate model.

The birthrates of SNe Ia in globular clusters

AbstractGlobular clusters has been proposed as testbeds for type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). In this work, using a detailed binary population synthesis approach, we studied the birthrates of SNe Ia from various progenitor models in globular clusters, including the single-degenerate model, the double-degenerate model and the Sub-Chandrasekhar model. Here, a single starburst with a total mass of 106M⊙ is assumed.

Modelling the interaction of thermonuclear supernova remnants with circumstellar structures: the case of Tycho's supernova remnant

The well-established Type Ia remnant of Tycho's supernova (SN 1572) reveals discrepant ambient medium density estimates based on either the measured dynamics or on the X-ray emission properties. This discrepancy can potentially be solved by assuming that the supernova remnant (SNR) shock initially moved through a stellar wind bubble, but is currently evolving in the uniform interstellar medium with a relatively low density. We investigate this scenario by combining hydrodynamical simulations of the wind-loss phase and the supernova remnant evolution with a coupled X-ray emission model, which includes non-equilibrium ionization. For the explosion models we use the well-known W7 deflagration model and the delayed detonation model that was previously shown to provide good fits to the X-ray emission of Tycho's SNR. Our simulations confirm that a uniform ambient density cannot simultaneously reproduce the dynamical and X-ray emission properties of Tycho. In contrast, models that considered that the remnant was evolving in a dense, but small, wind bubble reproduce reasonably well both the measured X-ray emission spectrum and the expansion parameter of Tycho's SNR. Finally, we discuss possible mass loss scenarios in the context of single- and double-degenerate models which possible could form such a small dense wind bubble.

A SEARCH FOR RAPIDLY ACCRETING WHITE DWARFS IN THE SMALL MAGELLANIC CLOUD

The nature of the progenitors of type Ia supernovae is still a mystery. While plausible candidates are known for both the single degenerate and double degenerate models, the observed numbers fall significantly short of what is required to reproduce the type Ia supernovae rate. Some of the most promising single-degenerate type Ia progenitors are recurrent novae and super-soft sources (SSS). White dwarfs with higher mass transfer rates can also be type Ia supernova progenitors. For these rapidly accreting white dwarfs (RAWD), more material than is needed for steady burning accretes on the white dwarf, and extends the white dwarf's photosphere. Unlike super-soft sources, such objects will likely not be detectable at soft X-ray energies, but will be bright at longer wavelengths, such as the far ultraviolet (UV). Possible examples include LMC N66 and the V Sagittae stars. We present a survey using multi-object spectrographs looking for RAWD in the central core of the SMC, from objects selected to be bright in the far UV and with blue far UV-V colors. While we find some unusual objects, and recover known planetary nebula and WR stars, we detect no candidate RAWD. The upper limits from this non-detection depending on our expectations of what a RAWD should look like, as well assumptions about the internal extinction of the SMC. Assuming they resemble LMC N66 or fainter versions of Wolf-Rayet stars we set an upper limit of 10-14 RAWD in the SMC. However, our survey is unlikely to detect objects like V Sge, and hence we cannot set meaningful upper limits if RAWD generally resemble these.

Evidence for Circumstellar Material in Type Ia Supernovae via Sodium Absorption Features

AbstractType Ia supernovae are very good tools for measuring distances on a cosmic scale. The consensus view is that mass transfer onto a white dwarf in a close binary system leads to a thermonuclear explosion, though the nature of the mass donor is still uncertain. In the single-degenerate model it is a main-sequence star or an evolved star. In the double-degenerate model it is another white dwarf. We study the velocity structure of absorbing material along the line of sight to 35 Type Ia supernovae and find a statistical preference for blueshifted structures, likely arising in gas outflows from the supernova progenitor systems, consistent with a single-degenerate progenitor for a substantial fraction of Type Ia supernovae in nearby spiral galaxies.

THE SUPERNOVA DELAY TIME DISTRIBUTION IN GALAXY CLUSTERS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR TYPE-Ia PROGENITORS AND METAL ENRICHMENT

Knowledge of the supernova (SN) delay time distribution (DTD) - the SN rate versus time that would follow a hypothetical brief burst of star formation - can shed light on SN progenitors and physics. We compile recent measurements of the Type-Ia SN (SN Ia) rate in galaxy clusters at redshifts z=0-1.45. Together with the observed iron-to-stellar mass ratio in clusters, which constrains the time-integrated number of SN Ia events in clusters, we recover the DTD of SNe Ia in cluster environments. The DTD peaks at the shortest time-delay interval we probe, 0<t<2.2 Gyr, with a low tail out to delays of ~10 Gyr, and is remarkably consistent with several recent DTD reconstructions based on different methods, in different environments. We test DTD models from the literature, requiring that they simultaneously reproduce the observed cluster SN rates and the observed iron-to-stellar mass ratios. A power-law DTD of the form t^{-1.2+/-0.3}, extending to a Hubble time, can satisfy both constraints. Shallower power laws, such as t^{-1/2} cannot, assuming a single DTD, and a single star-formation burst (either brief or extended) at high z. This implies 50-85% of SNe Ia explode within 1 Gyr of star formation. DTDs from double-degenerate (DD) models, which generically have ~t^{-1} shapes over a wide range of timescales, match the data, but only if their predictions are scaled up by factors of 5-10. Single degenerate (SD) DTDs always give poor fits to the data, due to a lack of delayed SNe and overall low numbers of SNe. The observations also permit a combination of two SN Ia populations - prompt (e.g. SD) SNe Ia that explode within a few Gyr of star formation, and produce about 60% of the iron mass in clusters, and a DD population that contributes the events seen at z<1.4. Our results support the existence of a DD progenitor channel for SNe Ia, if the overall predicted numbers can be suitably increased.