Open AccessProspects for Type Ia supernova explosion mechanism identification with γ‐rays
Author(s) -
GomezGomar Jordi,
Isern Jordi,
Jean Pierre
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.1998.29511115.x
Subject(s) - physics , supernova , deflagration , astrophysics , ejecta , spallation , thermonuclear fusion , spectral line , detonation , nucleosynthesis , nuclear physics , astronomy , neutron , explosive material , plasma , chemistry , organic chemistry
The explosion mechanism associated with thermonuclear supernovae (SNIa) is still a matter of debate. There is a wide agreement that high amounts of radioactive nuclei are produced during these events and they are expected to be strong γ‐ray emitters. In the past, several authors have investigated the use of this γ‐ray emission as a diagnostic tool. In this paper we have performed a complete study of the γ‐ray spectra associated with all the different scenarios currently proposed. This includes detonation, delayed detonation, deflagration and the off‐centre detonation. We have performed accurate simulations for this complete set of models in order to determine the most promising spectral features that could be used to discriminate among the different models. Our study is not limited to qualitative arguments. Instead, we have quantified the differences among the spectra and established distance limits for their detection. The calculations have been performed considering the best current response estimations of the SPI and IBIS instruments aboard INTEGRAL in such a way that our results can be used as a guideline to evaluate the capabilities of INTEGRAL in the study of Type Ia supernovae. For the purpose of completeness we have also investigated the nuclear excitation and spallation reactions as a possible secondary source of γ‐rays present in some supernova scenarios. We conclude that this mechanism can be neglected because of its small contribution.