We report on Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) observations of the Type IIb supernova 2011dh, performed over the first 100 days of its evolution and spanning 1-40 GHz in frequency. The radio emission is well-described by the self-similar propagation of a spherical shockwave, generated as the supernova ejecta interact with the local circumstellar environment. Modeling this emission with a standard synchrotron self-absorption (SSA) model gives an average expansion velocity of v approx 0.1c, supporting the classification of the progenitor as a compact star (R_* approx 10^11 cm). We find that the circumstellar density is consistent with a {rho} propto r^-2 profile. We determine that the progenitor shed mass at a constant rate of approx 3 times 10^-5 M_odot / yr, assuming a wind velocity of 1000 km / s (values appropriate for a Wolf-Rayet star), or approx 7 times 10^-7 M_odot / yr assuming 20 km / s (appropriate for a yellow supergiant [YSG] star). Both values of the mass-loss rate assume a converted fraction of kinetic to magnetic energy density of {epsilon}_B = 0.1. Although optical imaging shows the presence of a YSG, the rapid optical evolution and fast expansion argue that the progenitor is a more compact star - perhaps a companion to the YSG. Furthermore, the excellent agreement of the radio properties of SN 2011dh with the SSA model implies that any YSG companion is likely in a wide, non-interacting orbit.
تحميل البحث