Optical photometry and spectroscopy of the low-luminosity, broad-lined Ic supernova iPTF15dld

Abstract

Core-collapse stripped-envelope supernova (SN) explosions reflect the diversity of physical parameters and evolutionary paths of their massive star progenitors. We have observed the Type Ic SN iPTF15dld (z = 0.047), reported by the Palomar Transient Factory. Spectra were taken starting 20 rest-frame days after maximum luminosity and are affected by a young stellar population background. Broad spectral absorption lines associated with the SN are detected over the continuum, similar to those measured for broad-lined, highly energetic SNe Ic. The light curve and maximum luminosity are instead more similar to those of low luminosity, narrow-lined Ic SNe. This suggests a behaviour whereby certain highly stripped-envelope SNe do not produce a large amount of 56Ni, but the explosion is sufficiently energetic that a large fraction of the ejecta is accelerated to higher than usual velocities. We estimate SN iPTF15dld had a main-sequence progenitor of 20-25 M☉, produced a 56Ni mass of ∼0.1-0.2 M☉, had an ejecta mass of [2-10] M☉, and a kinetic energy of [1-18] × 1051 erg.