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Gravitational microlensing of high-redshift supernovae by compact objectsAn analysis of the effect of microlensing by a cosmologically dominant density of compact objects is performed, using high-redshift Type Ia supernovae (SN Ia's) as probes. The compact objects are modeled as a three-dimensional distribution of point masses, and Monte Carlo simulations are done to calculate the resulting amplification probability distributions for several column densities and cosmologies. By combining these distributions with the intrinsic SN Ia luminosity function and comparing with the results for a perfectly smooth universe, estimates are made of the number of supernovae that would need to be observed to confirm or rule out this lensing scenario. It is found that about 1000 SN Ia's with redshifts of z = 1 would be needed to perform this test, which is beyond what current searches can hope to accomplish. Observations of many fewer high-redshift supernovae, used merely as standard candles, appears a promising way of distinguishing between different cosmological models.
Document ID
19910055360
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Rauch, Kevin P.
(Princeton University Observatory, NJ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 10, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 374
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
91A39983
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-87-18432
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-765
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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