Gamma-rays as probes for the multi-dimensionality of type Ia supernovae

We present gamma-ray spectra for a set of Type Ia supernovae. Our study is based on a detailed Monte Carlo transport scheme for both spherical and full 3-D geometries. Classical and new challenges of the gamma-ray astronomy are addressed. We find that gamma-rays are very suitable to reveal the structure of the envelope and, thus, they allow to probe properties of the nuclear burning front and the progenitor, namely its central density and global asphericities. The potential problems are discussed for the quantitative comparison between theoretical and observed line fluxes during the first few months after the explosion. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science BY. All rights reserved.