Time Lapse Spectropolarimetry: Constraining the Nature and Progenitors of Interacting CCSNe

Abstract

SNe of Type IIn are among the brightest supernova explosions due to strong circumstellar interaction. Examining the geometric and optical properties of the circumstellar material (CSM) can help to identify the progenitors of individual IIn SNe. Polarimetry is the optimal method for constraining CSM characteristics, as polarimetric signals both depend upon and preserve geometric information from unresolved sources. I present the results of fitting an ensemble of simulated polarized Hα emission-line profiles of interacting SNe, created using a three-dimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer code called SLIP, to the multi-epoch observed polarized spectra of the Type IIn SN 1997eg. Further study of this model ensemble will allow us to investigate relationships among SNe IIn based on viewing angle and consider how the category should be subdivided based on physical properties of the CSM and/or progenitor.