Double degenerates and progenitors of supernovae type Ia
  We report on systematic radial velocity surveys for white dwarf - white dwarf binaries (double degenerates - DDs) including SPY (ESO Supernovae Ia progenitor survey) recently carried out at the VLT. A large sample of DD will allow us to put strong constrains on the phases of close binary evolution of the progenitor systems and to perform an observational test of the DD scenario for supernovae of type Ia. We explain how parameters of the binaries can be derived from various methods. Results for a sample of DDs are presented and discussed. 
R. Napiwotzki, L. Yungelson, G. Nelemans, T. R. Marsh, B. Leibundgut,   A. Renzini, D. Homaier, D. Koester, S. Moehler, N. C...