Metallicity Effects in Non-LTE Model Atmospheres of Type Ia Supernovae

We have calculated a grid of photospheric phase atmospheres of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) with metallicities from 10 times to 1/30 the solar metallicity in the C+O layer of the deflagration model, W7. We have modeled the spectra using the multipurpose non-LTE model atmosphere and spectrum synthesis code PHOENIX. We show models for the epochs 7, 10, 15, 20, and 35 days after explosion. When compared to observed spectra obtained at the approximately corresponding epochs, these synthetic spectra fit reasonably well. The spectra show variation in the overall level of the UV continuum with lower fluxes for models with higher metallicity in the unburned C+O layer. This is consistent with the classical surface cooling and line-blocking effect due to metals in the outer layers of C+O. The UV features also move consistently to the blue with higher metallicity, demonstrating that they are forming at shallower and faster layers in the atmosphere. The potentially most useful effect is the blueward movement of the Si II feature at 6150 A with increasing C+O layer metallicity. We also demonstrate the more complex effects of metallicity variations by modifying the 54Fe content of the incomplete burning zone in W7 at maximum light. We briefly address some shortcomings of the W7 model when compared to observations. Finally, we identify that the split in the Ca H+K feature produced in W7 and observed in some SNe Ia is due to a blending effect of Ca II and Si II and does not necessarily represent a complex abundance or ionization effect in Ca II.