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G. Aldering (LBNL), SNAP Collaboration
By obtaining a Type Ia supernova Hubble diagram of extraordinary accuracy, the SuperNova / Acceleration Probe (SNAP) can provide an unprecedented tool to explore the underlying physical cosmology of the universe. However, in order to realize this accuracy and take advantage of a large statistical sample of supernovae, systematic errors must be tightly controlled. SNAP is designed to control systematics by first minimizing the systematics inherent to the experiment itself (Malmquist bias, cross-filter K-corrections and calibration, contamination by non-Type Ia supernovae, etc.). SNAP also must be able to deal with astrophysical complications, such as those due to any supernova evolution or abnormal extinction by dust. SNAP's multi-faceted approach to these challenging issues will be described. They include observation of diagnostic features of the Type Ia supernovae spectra and lightcurves, matching of supernovae of at low and high redshifts, and cross-checks using, e.g., Type II supernovae.
This research has been supported in part by the United States Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.
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