Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae Research Articles

Effects of nucleon-nucleon short-range correlation and symmetry energy on the evolution of newly born magnetars

Abstract Millisecond magnetars are widely suggested as the central engines powering hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe). These magnetars primarily lose huge rotational energy through gravitational wave radiation (GWR) and magnetic dipole radiation (MDR), with MDR serving as an energy source for SLSNe. We study the evolution of the magnetar spin, magnetic inclination angle, and the resulting thermal radiative luminosity of the SLSNe, where the impacts of the nucleon-nucleon short-range correlation, the mass and initial spin of the magnetar, and the density-dependent symmetry energy of the dense nuclear matter on the evolution are discussed. The relativistic mean-field theory is employed to calculate the nuclear matter properties, and we particularly concentrate on the time- and space-dependent bulk viscosity which is crucial for the magnetic inclination angle evolution. It is found that the nucleon-nucleon short-range correlation weakens the damping of bulk viscosity of dense matter and therefore inhibits the growth of magnetic inclination angle, and it reduces the MDR (GWR) peak luminosity of a canonical magnetar by several times while it raises the peak thermal radiation luminosity of SLSNe by several times. For magnetars with nonrotating mass obviously lower than the $1.4 \, \rm M_\odot$ with slow initial rotation, the magnetic inclination angle is more likely to evolve towards 0 degrees quickly, and these magnetars are not suitable as the central engine for SLSNe. Within the ‘family’ of FSUGarnet interaction, a stiffer symmetry energy gives a lower threshold of direct Urca process and hence gives a much larger bulk viscosity coefficient, and thus it promotes the growth of the magnetic inclination angle and the GWR for canonical stars but reduces the peak brightness of SLSNe significantly.

STELLA Lightcurves of Energetic Pair-instability Supernovae in the Context of SN2018ibb

SN2018ibb is a recently observed hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova that appears to be powered by the decay of 30 M ⊙ of radioactive nickel. This supernova has been suggested to show hybrid signatures of a pair-instability supernova and an interacting supernova. In a previous paper, we found that rotating, metal-enriched pair-instability supernova progenitors appeared to check both of these boxes. In this paper, we model the lightcurves of the pair-instability supernovae using STELLA. We find that the STELLA models can explain the overall shape of the bolometric lightcurve of SN2018ibb, though not specific morphological features such as the luminosity peak or the bump at roughly 300 days after the peak. We also estimate the contribution from interaction and find that with relatively low wind velocities, the circumstellar medium originating from the stellar winds is consistent with the evidence for interaction in the spectra. The observed values of the photosphere velocity in the 100 days after peak luminosity are similar to the STELLA models, but the deceleration is lower. This leads to the biggest inconsistency, which is the blackbody temperature of SN2018ibb being much hotter than any of the STELLA models. We note that this high temperature (and the flat velocity) may be difficult to reconcile with the long rise time of SN2018ibb, but nevertheless conclude that if it is accurate, this discrepancy represents a challenge for SN2018ibb being a robust PISN candidate. This result is noteworthy given the lack of other scenarios for this supernova.

Bumpy Superluminous Supernovae Powered by a Magnetar–Star Binary Engine

Wolf–Rayet stars in close binary systems can be tidally spun up by their companions, potentially leaving behind fast-spinning, highly magnetized neutron stars, known as “magnetars,” after core collapse. These newborn magnetars can transfer rotational energy into heating and accelerating the ejecta, producing hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe). In this Letter, we propose that the magnetar wind of the newborn magnetar could significantly evaporate its companion star, typically a main-sequence or helium star, if the binary system is not disrupted by the abrupt mass loss and supernova (SN) kick. The subsequent heating and acceleration of the evaporated star material along with the SN ejecta by the magnetar wind can produce a postpeak bump in the SLSN lightcurve. Our model can reproduce the primary peaks and postpeak bumps of four example observed multiband SLSN lightcurves, revealing that the mass of the evaporated material could be ∼0.4–0.6 M ⊙ if the material is hydrogen-rich. We propose that the magnetar could induce strongly enhanced evaporation from its companion star near the pericenter if the orbit of the post-SN binary is highly eccentric, ultimately generating multiple postpeak bumps in the SLSN lightcurves. This “magnetar–star binary engine” model may offer a possible explanation for the evolution of polarization, along with the origin and velocity broadening of late-time hydrogen or helium broad spectral features observed in some bumpy SLSNe. The diversity in the lightcurves and spectra of SLSNe may be attributed to the wide variety of companion stars and post-SN binary systems.

SN 2020zbf: A fast-rising hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova with strong carbon lines

SN 2020zbf is a hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova (SLSN) at z = 0.1947 that shows conspicuous C II features at early times, in contrast to the majority of H-poor SLSNe. Its peak magnitude is Mg = −21.2 mag and its rise time (≲26.4 days from first light) places SN 2020zbf among the fastest rising type I SLSNe. We used spectra taken from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared wavelengths to identify spectral features. We paid particular attention to the C II lines as they present distinctive characteristics when compared to other events. We also analyzed UV and optical photometric data and modeled the light curves considering three different powering mechanisms: radioactive decay of 56Ni, magnetar spin-down, and circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction. The spectra of SN 2020zbf match the model spectra of a C-rich low-mass magnetar-powered supernova model well. This is consistent with our light curve modeling, which supports a magnetar-powered event with an ejecta mass Mej = 1.5 M⊙. However, we cannot discard the CSM-interaction model as it may also reproduce the observed features. The interaction with H-poor, carbon-oxygen CSM near peak light could explain the presence of C II emission lines. A short plateau in the light curve around 35–45 days after peak, in combination with the presence of an emission line at 6580 Å, can also be interpreted as being due to a late interaction with an extended H-rich CSM. Both the magnetar and CSM-interaction models of SN 2020zbf indicate that the progenitor mass at the time of explosion is between 2 and 5 M⊙. Modeling the spectral energy distribution of the host galaxy reveals a host mass of 108.7 M⊙, a star formation rate of 0.24−0.12+0.41 M⊙ yr−1, and a metallicity of ∼0.4 Z⊙.

Type W and Type 15bn Subgroups of Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae: Premaximum Diversity, Postmaximum Homogeneity?

In this study, we analyze the postmaximum spectra of a sample of 27 Type I superluminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) in order to search for physical differences between the so-called Type W and Type 15bn subtypes. This paper is a continuation of Könyves-Tóth & Vinkó and Könyves-Tóth. In the former, it was revealed that not all SLSNe-I show the W-shaped absorption feature between 4000 and 5000 Å in the premaximum spectra, and two new SLSN subgroups were disclosed. In the latter, physical differences in the premaximum phases were studied. For completeness, postmaximum data are analyzed in this paper. It is concluded that in terms of photospheric temperature and velocity, Type W and Type 15bn SLSNe-I decrease to a similar value by the postmaximum phases, and their pseudo-nebular spectra are nearly uniform. The relation between the photometric and spectroscopic phases (Φ) between the two subgroups was examined, and it was found that the Φ of Type W SLSNe-I increases monotonically with time, while Type 15bn objects tend to show larger Φ before peak brightness, which evolves slowly. Pseudo-equivalent width (pEW) calculations show that the pEWs of the wavelength range between 4166 and 5266 Å evolve differently in the cases of the two subtypes, while the other parts of the spectra seem to evolve similarly. It was found that the host galaxies of the studied objects do not differ significantly in their star formation rate, morphology, stellar mass, and absolute brightness. The main difference behind the bimodality of Type W and Type 15bn SLSNe-I therefore is in their premaximum evolution.

Magnetar Flare-driven Bumpy Declining Light Curves in Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae

Recent observations indicate that hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) often display bumpy declining light curves. However, the cause of these undulations remains unclear. In this paper, we have improved the magnetar model, which includes flare activities. We present a systematic analysis of a well-observed SLSN-I sample with bumpy light curves in their late phase. These SLSNe-I were identified from multiple transient surveys, such as the Pan-STARRS1 Medium Deep Survey and the Zwicky Transient Facility. Our study provides a set of magnetar-powered model light curve fits for five SLSNe-I, which accurately reproduce the observed light curves using reasonable physical parameters. By extracting the essential characteristics of both the explosions and central engines, these fits provide valuable insights into investigating their potential association with gamma-ray burst engines. We found that the SLSN flares tend to be the dim and long extension of GRB flares in the peak luminosity versus peak time plane. Conducting large-scale, high-cadence surveys in the near future could enhance our comprehension of both SLSN undulating light curve properties and their potential relationship with GRBs by modeling their light curve characteristics.

Polarimetry of hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae

We present linear polarimetry for seven hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) of which only one has previously published polarimetric data. The best-studied event is SN 2017gci, for which we present two epochs of spectropolarimetry at +3 d and +29 d post-peak in rest frame, accompanied by four epochs of imaging polarimetry up to +108 d. The spectropolarimetry at +3 d shows increasing polarisation degree P towards the redder wavelengths and exhibits signs of axial symmetry, but at +29 d, P ∼ 0 throughout the spectrum, implying that the photosphere of SN 2017gci evolved from a slightly aspherical configuration to a more spherical one in the first month post-peak. However, an increase of P to ∼0.5% at ∼ + 55 d accompanied by a different orientation of the axial symmetry compared to +3 d implies the presence of additional sources of polarisation at this phase. The increase in polarisation is possibly caused by interaction with circumstellar matter (CSM), as already suggested by a knee in the light curve and a possible detection of broad Hα emission at the same phase. We also analysed the sample of all 16 SLSNe-I with polarimetric measurements to date. The data taken during the early spectroscopic phase show consistently low polarisation, indicating at least nearly spherical photospheres. No clear relation between the polarimetry and spectral phase was seen when the spectra resemble Type Ic SNe during the photospheric and nebular phases. The light-curve decline rate, which spans a factor of eight, also shows no clear relation with the polarisation properties. While only slow-evolving SLSNe-I have shown non-zero polarisation, the fast-evolving ones have not been observed at sufficiently late times to conclude that none of them exhibit changing P. However, the four SLSNe-I with increasing polarisation degree also have irregular light-curve declines. For up to half of them, the photometric, spectroscopic, and polarimetric properties are affected by CSM interaction. As such, CSM interaction clearly plays an important role in understanding the polarimetric evolution of SLSNe-I.

SN 2017egm: A Helium-rich Superluminous Supernova with Multiple Bumps in the Light Curves

When discovered, SN 2017egm was the closest (redshift z = 0.03) hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova (SLSN-I) and a rare case that exploded in a massive and metal-rich galaxy. Thus, it has since been extensively observed and studied. We report spectroscopic data showing strong emission at around He i λ10830 and four He i absorption lines in the optical. Consequently, we classify SN 2017egm as a member of an emerging population of helium-rich SLSNe-I (i.e., SLSNe-Ib). We also present our late-time photometric observations. By combining them with archival data, we analyze high-cadence ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared light curves spanning from early pre-peak (∼−20 days) to late phases (∼+300 days). We obtain its most complete bolometric light curve, in which multiple bumps are identified. None of the previously proposed models can satisfactorily explain all main light-curve features, while multiple interactions between the ejecta and circumstellar material (CSM) may explain the undulating features. The prominent infrared excess with a blackbody luminosity of 107–108 L ⊙ detected in SN 2017egm could originate from the emission of either an echo of a pre-existing dust shell or newly formed dust, offering an additional piece of evidence supporting the ejecta–CSM interaction model. Moreover, our analysis of deep Chandra observations yields the tightest-ever constraint on the X-ray emission of an SLSN-I, amounting to an X-ray-to-optical luminosity ratio ≲10−3 at late phases (∼100–200 days), which could help explore its close environment and central engine.

Optical polarization and spectral properties of the hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae SN 2021bnw and SN 2021fpl

ABSTRACTNew optical photometric, spectroscopic, and imaging polarimetry data are combined with publicly available data to study some of the physical properties of the two hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) SN 2021bnw and SN 2021fpl. For each SLSN, the best-fitting parameters obtained from the magnetar model with Modular Open-Source Fitter for Transients do not depart from the range of parameter obtained on other SLSNe discussed in the literature. A spectral analysis with SYN++ shows that SN 2021bnw is a W type, fast evolver, while SN 2021fpl is a 15bn type, slow evolver. The analysis of the polarimetry data obtained on SN 2021fpl at four epochs (+1.8, +20.6, +34.1, and +43.0 d, rest frame) shows >3σ polarization detections in the range of 0.8–1 per cent. A comparison of the spectroscopy data suggests that SN 2021fpl underwent a spectral transition a bit earlier than SN 2015bn, during which, similarly, it could have underwent a polarization transition. The analysis of the polarimetry data obtained on SN 2021bnw does not show any departure from symmetry of the photosphere at an empirical diffusion time-scale of ≈2 (+81.1 d rest frame). This result is consistent with those on the sample of W-type SLSN observed at empirical diffusion time-scale ≤ 1 with that technique, even though it is not clear the effect of limited spectral windows varying from one object to the other. Measurements at higher empirical diffusion time-scale may be needed to see any departure from symmetry as it is discussed in the literature for SN 2017egm.

SN 2020qlb: A hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova with well-characterized light curve undulations

Context. SN 2020qlb (ZTF20abobpcb) is a hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova (SLSN-I) that is among the most luminous (maximum Mg = −22.25 mag) and that has one of the longest rise times (77 days from explosion to maximum). We estimate the total radiated energy to be > 2.1 × 1051 erg. SN 2020qlb has a well-sampled light curve that exhibits clear near and post peak undulations, a phenomenon seen in other SLSNe, whose physical origin is still unknown. Aims. We discuss the potential power source of this immense explosion as well as the mechanisms behind its observed light curve undulations. Methods. We analyze photospheric spectra and compare them to other SLSNe-I. We constructed the bolometric light curve using photometry from a large data set of observations from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), Liverpool Telescope (LT), and Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and compare it with radioactive, circumstellar interaction and magnetar models. Model residuals and light curve polynomial fit residuals are analyzed to estimate the undulation timescale and amplitude. We also determine host galaxy properties based on imaging and spectroscopy data, including a detection of the [O III]λ4363, auroral line, allowing for a direct metallicity measurement. Results. We rule out the Arnett 56Ni decay model for SN 2020qlb’s light curve due to unphysical parameter results. Our most favored power source is the magnetic dipole spin-down energy deposition of a magnetar. Two to three near peak oscillations, intriguingly similar to those of SN 2015bn, were found in the magnetar model residuals with a timescale of 32 ± 6 days and an amplitude of 6% of peak luminosity. We rule out centrally located undulation sources due to timescale considerations; and we favor the result of ejecta interactions with circumstellar material (CSM) density fluctuations as the source of the undulations.

The Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae from the Zwicky Transient Facility Phase I Survey. I. Light Curves and Measurements

During the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) Phase I operations, 78 hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) were discovered in less than 3 yr, constituting the largest sample from a single survey. This paper (Paper I) presents the data, including the optical/UV light curves and classification spectra, while Paper II in this series will focus on the detailed analysis of the light curves and modeling. Our photometry is primarily taken by ZTF in the g, r, and i bands, and with additional data from other ground-based facilities and Swift. The events of our sample cover a redshift range of z = 0.06 − 0.67, with a median and 1σ error (16% and 84% percentiles) of . The peak luminosity covers −22.8 mag ≤ M g,peak ≤ −19.8 mag, with a median value of mag. The light curves evolve slowly with a mean rest-frame rise time of t rise = 41.9 ± 17.8 days. The luminosity and timescale distributions suggest that low-luminosity SLSNe-I with a peak luminosity ∼−20 mag or extremely fast-rising events (<10 days) exist, but are rare. We confirm previous findings that slowly rising SLSNe-I also tend to fade slowly. The rest-frame color and temperature evolution show large scatters, suggesting that the SLSN-I population may have diverse spectral energy distributions. The peak rest-frame color shows a moderate correlation with the peak absolute magnitude, i.e., brighter SLSNe-I tend to have bluer colors. With optical and UV photometry, we construct the bolometric luminosity and derive a bolometric correction relation that is generally applicable for converting g, r-band photometry to the bolometric luminosity for SLSNe-I.

The Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae from the Zwicky Transient Facility Phase I Survey. II. Light-curve Modeling and Characterization of Undulations

We present analysis of the light curves (LCs) of 77 hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe I) discovered during the Zwicky Transient Facility Phase I operation. We find that the majority (67%) of the sample can be fit equally well by both magnetar and ejecta–circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction plus 56Ni decay models. This implies that LCs alone cannot unambiguously constrain the physical power sources for an SLSN I. However, 23% of the sample show inverted V-shape, steep-declining LCs or features of long rise and fast post-peak decay, which are better described by the CSM+Ni model. The remaining 10% of the sample favors the magnetar model. Moreover, our analysis shows that the LC undulations are quite common, with a fraction of 18%–44% in our gold sample. Among those strongly undulating events, about 62% of them are found to be CSM-favored, implying that the undulations tend to occur in the CSM-favored events. Undulations show a wide range in energy and duration, with median values (and 1σ errors) being as and days, respectively. Our analysis of the undulation timescales suggests that intrinsic temporal variations of the central engine can explain half of the undulating events, while CSM interaction (CSI) can account for the majority of the sample. Finally, all of the well-observed He-rich SLSNe Ib either have strongly undulating LCs or the LCs are much better fit by the CSM+Ni model. These observations imply that their progenitor stars have not had enough time to lose all of the He-envelopes before supernova explosions, and H-poor CSM are likely to present in these events.

Hard X-Ray Observations of the Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernova SN 2018hti with NuSTAR

Some hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae are likely powered by a magnetar central engine, making their luminosity larger than common supernovae. Although a significant amount of X-ray flux is expected from the spin-down of the magnetar, direct observational evidence is still to be found, giving rise to the “missing energy” problem. Here we present NuSTAR observations of nearby SN 2018hti 2.4 yr (rest frame) after its optical peak. We expect that, by this time, the ejecta have become optically thin for photons more energetic than ∼15 keV. No flux is detected at the position of the supernova down to F 10–30 keV = 9.0 × 10−14 erg cm−2 s−1, or an upper limit of 7.9 × 1041 erg s−1 at a distance of 271 Mpc. This constrains the fraction of bolometric luminosity from the putative spinning down magnetar to be f X ≲ 36% in the 10–30 keV range in a conservative case, f X ≲ 11% in an optimistic case.

Premaximum Spectroscopic Diversity of Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae

We search for the reasons behind the spectroscopic diversity of hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) in the premaximum phase. Our analysis is a continuation of the paper of Könyves-Tóth & Vinkó, who disclosed two new subtypes of SLSNe-I characterized by the presence/absence of a W-shaped absorption feature in their premaximum spectra between 4000 and 5000 Å (called Type W and Type 15bn, respectively). However, the physical cause of this bimodality is still uncertain. Here we present premaximum spectral synthesis of 27 SLSNe-I with special attention to the photospheric temperature (T phot) and velocity (v phot) evolution. We find that a T phot limit of 12,000 K separates the Type W and Type 15bn SLSNe-I: Type W objects tend to show T phot ≥ 12,000 K, while Type 15bn ones have T phot ≤ 12,000 K. This is consistent with the chemical composition of the studied objects. Another difference between these groups may be found in their ejecta geometry: Type W SLSNe-I may show null polarization, implying spherical symmetry, while the polarization of Type 15bn objects may increase in time. This suggests a two-component model with a spherical outer carbon–oxygen layer and an asymmetric inner layer containing heavier ions. The two subgroups may have different light-curve evolution as well, since six Type W objects show early bumps, unlike Type 15bn SLSNe-I. This feature, however, needs further study, as it is based on only a few objects at present.

SN 2020wnt: a slow-evolving carbon-rich superluminous supernova with no O ii lines and a bumpy light curve

ABSTRACT We present the analysis of SN 2020wnt, an unusual hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova (SLSN-I), at a redshift of 0.032. The light curves of SN 2020wnt are characterized by an early bump lasting ∼5 d, followed by a bright main peak. The SN reaches a peak absolute magnitude of M$_{r}^{\rm max}=-20.52\pm 0.03$ mag at ∼77.5 d from explosion. This magnitude is at the lower end of the luminosity distribution of SLSNe-I, but the rise-time is one of the longest reported to date. Unlike other SLSNe-I, the spectra of SN 2020wnt do not show O ii, but strong lines of C ii and Si ii are detected. Spectroscopically, SN 2020wnt resembles the Type Ic SN 2007gr, but its evolution is significantly slower. Comparing the bolometric light curve to hydrodynamical models, we find that SN 2020wnt luminosity can be explained by radioactive powering. The progenitor of SN 2020wnt is likely a massive and extended star with a pre-SN mass of 80 M⊙ and a pre-SN radius of 15 R⊙ that experiences a very energetic explosion of 45 × 1051 erg, producing 4 M⊙ of 56Ni. In this framework, the first peak results from a post-shock cooling phase for an extended progenitor, and the luminous main peak is due to a large nickel production. These characteristics are compatible with the pair-instability SN scenario. We note, however, that a significant contribution of interaction with circumstellar material cannot be ruled out.

Bumpy Declining Light Curves Are Common in Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae

Recent work has revealed that the light curves of hydrogen-poor (Type I) superluminous supernovae (SLSNe), thought to be powered by magnetar central engines, do not always follow the smooth decline predicted by a simple magnetar spin-down model. Here we present the first systematic study of the prevalence and properties of “bumps” in the post-peak light curves of 34 SLSNe. We find that the majority (44%–76%) of events cannot be explained by a smooth magnetar model alone. We do not find any difference in supernova properties between events with and without bumps. By fitting a simple Gaussian model to the light-curve residuals, we characterize each bump with an amplitude, temperature, phase, and duration. We find that most bumps correspond with an increase in the photospheric temperature of the ejecta, although we do not see drastic changes in spectroscopic features during the bump. We also find a moderate correlation (ρ ≈ 0.5; p ≈ 0.01) between the phase of the bumps and the rise time, implying that such bumps tend to happen at a certain “evolutionary phase,” (3.7 ± 1.4)t rise. Most bumps are consistent with having diffused from a central source of variable luminosity, although sources further out in the ejecta are not excluded. With this evidence, we explore whether the cause of these bumps is intrinsic to the supernova (e.g., a variable central engine) or extrinsic (e.g., circumstellar interaction). Both cases are plausible, requiring low-level variability in the magnetar input luminosity, small decreases in the ejecta opacity, or a thin circumstellar shell or disk.

Post maximum light and late time optical imaging polarimetry of type I superluminous supernova 2020znr

ABSTRACTOptical imaging polarimetry was conducted on the hydrogen poor superluminous supernova 2020znr during three phases after maximum light (≈ +34 d, +288 d, and +289 d). After instrumental and interstellar polarization correction, all measurements are consistent with null-polarization detection. Modelling the light curve with a magnetar spin-down model shows that SN2020znr has similar magnetar and ejecta parameters to other SLSNe. A comparison of the best-fitting values discussed in the literature on SN 2017egm and SN 2015bn, two hydrogen poor SLSNe showing an increase of polarization after maximum light, suggests that SN 2020znr has higher mass ejecta that may prevent access to the geometry of the inner ejecta with optical polarimetry. The combined information provided by spectroscopy and light-curve analysis of type I SLSNe may be an interesting avenue to categorize the polarization properties of this class of transients. This approach would require to expand the sample of SLSNe polarimetry data currently available with early and late time epochs new measurements.

Late-time Hubble Space Telescope Observations of a Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernova Reveal the Power-law Decline of a Magnetar Central Engine

Abstract The light-curve diversity of hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) has kept open the possibility that multiple power sources account for the population. Specifically, pair-instability explosions (PISNe), which produce large masses of 56Ni, have been argued as the origin of some slowly-evolving SLSNe. Here we present detailed observations of SN 2016inl (=PS16fgt), a slowly-evolving SLSN at z = 0.3057, whose unusually red spectrum matches PS1-14bj, an SLSN with an exceptionally long rise time consistent with a PISN. Ground-based and Hubble Space Telescope data, spanning about 800 rest-frame days, reveal a significant light-curve flattening, similar to that seen in SN 2015bn and much slower than the decline rate expected from radioactive decay of 56Co. We therefore conclude that despite its slow evolution, SN 2016inl is inconsistent with a PISN. Instead, the light-curve evolution matches the expected power-law spindown of a magnetar central engine, but with a shallower power law (L ∝ t −2.8) compared to that in SN 2015bn, indicating a possible difference in the γ-ray opacity between the two events. Analytical modeling indicates typical magnetar engine parameters, but one of the highest ejecta masses (≈20 M ⊙) inferred for an SLSN. Our results indicate that monitoring the late-time light-curve evolution of SLSNe provides a powerful diagnostic of their energy source.

Binary pathways to SLSNe-I: SN 2017gci

ABSTRACT Some hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) exhibit bumps in the tails of their light curves associated with hydrogen features in their late time spectra. Here we use the explosion parameters of one such SLSN – SN 2017gci – to search the stellar models of the Binary Population And Spectral Synthesis (BPASS) code for potential progenitors. We find good matches for a 30 M⊙ progenitor star in a binary system and no matches from single-star models. Common envelope and mass transfer after the giant branch, combined with increased mass loss from strong stellar winds immediately before death, allow the progenitor to lose its hydrogen envelope decades before the explosion. This results in a hydrogen poor SLSN and allows for delayed interaction of the ejecta with the lost stellar material.

Photospheric Velocity Gradients and Ejecta Masses of Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae: Proxies for Distinguishing between Fast and Slow Events

Abstract We present a study of 28 Type I superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) in the context of the ejecta mass and photospheric velocity. We combine photometry and spectroscopy to infer ejecta masses via the formalism of radiation diffusion equations. We present an improved method to determine the photospheric velocity by combining spectrum modeling and cross-correlation techniques. We find that Type I SLSNe can be divided into two groups according to their pre-maximum spectra. Members of the first group have a W-shaped absorption trough in their pre-maximum spectrum, usually identified as due to O ii. This feature is absent in the spectra of supernovae in the second group, whose spectra are similar to that of SN 2015bn. We confirm that the pre- or near-maximum photospheric velocities correlate with the velocity gradients: faster evolving SLSNe have larger photospheric velocities around maximum. We classify the studied SLSNe into the Fast or the Slow evolving group according to their estimated photospheric velocities, and find that all those objects that resemble SN 2015bn belong to the Slow evolving class, while SLSNe showing the W-like absorption are represented in both Fast and Slow evolving groups. We estimate the ejecta masses of all objects in our sample, and obtain values in the range 2.9 (±0.8)−208 (±61) M ⊙, with a mean of 43 (±12) M ⊙. We conclude that Slow evolving SLSNe tend to have higher ejecta masses compared to the Fast SLSNe. Our ejecta mass calculations suggests that SLSNe are caused by energetic explosions of very massive stars, irrespective of the powering mechanism of the light curve.