Limits on the Density of Compact Objects from High Redshift Supernovae

Abstract

Due to the effects of gravitational lensing, the magnification distribution of high redshift supenovae can be a powerful discriminator between smooth dark matter and dark matter consisting of compact objects. We use high resolution N-body simulations in combination with the results of simulations with compact objects to determine the magnification distribution for a Universe with an arbitrary fraction of the dark matter in compact objects. Using these distributions we determine the number of type Ia SNe required to measure the fraction of matter in compact objects. It is possible to determine a 20% fraction of matter in compact objects with 100-400 well measured SNe at $z \sim 1$, assuming the background cosmological model is well determined.