SN 2023dbc in M 108: Optical and near-infrared observations of a highly-obscured, moderately energetic stripped-envelope supernova

We present near-infrared (NIR) and optical observations of the highly reddened and moderately energetic Type Ib supernova (SN) 2023dbc, covering a period from 2 to 136 days after the explosion. By comparing its color evolution, specifically in r-JHKₛ and i-JHKₛ, with those of broad-lined Type Ic (Ic-BL) and Type IIb SNe, we estimate a significant extinction of AV=4.1± 0.1 mag toward the SN. The extinction-corrected peak absolute magnitudes are MJ = -16.8± 0.2 mag, MH = -16.8± 0.2 mag, and M_Kₛ = -17.0± 0.2 mag. The SN exhibited an r-band rise time of 14.9 days. The spectra display broad features indicative of high expansion velocities; the He i line velocity was measured at 16000\, km\, s⁻¹ at $t=-4$ d. Its spectral profile is broader than those of typical moderately energetic Type Ib SNe, yet narrower than those of Type Ic-BL SNe, placing it in an intermediate category. Based on the light-curve timescale and velocity, we estimate a kinetic energy of Eₖ = (4.1± 0.7) × 10⁵¹ erg, an ejecta mass of Mₑⱼ = 2.3± 0.7\, M, and a radioactive ⁵⁶Ni mass of (3.8± 0.1) × 10⁻²\, M. An analysis using a two-component model suggests a steep density profile in the outer layer contrasted with a dense inner core, which implies ejecta asphericity. The low ⁵⁶Ni mass is consistent with a partial fallback scenario. We conclude that SN 2023dbc originated from an aspherical explosion with partial core fallback, arising from a progenitor (Mᵢₙᵢ 15\, M) that had retained its helium envelope within a binary system.