This grant supports an observational study of the near infrared spectra of supernovae. This region has not yet been exploited in studies of supernovae and the potential for significant discovery exists. The spectroscopic features in the near infrared may provide valuable diagnostics for the radioactive yields of heavy elements, helium abundance and molecule formation processes that are less accessible in the visible. During the three years of the project an extensive map of the near infrared spectra will be constructed for as many SN as possible. Along with collaborators who will provide a theoretical basis for interpreting the spectra, this project will identify the most useful spectroscopic tracers for the physical conditions in the supernova environment.
