Accurate modelling of extragalactic microlensing by compact objects

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive theoretical model for extragalactic microlensing that incorporates lens coupling, large-scale structure effects, and extended sources, providing more accurate amplification statistics than simpler models.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed modeling scheme for extragalactic microlensing that improves upon previous simplified approaches by including multiple physical effects from first principles.

Findings

The external shear has negligible impact on microlensing amplification.

Predictions can differ by a factor of a few from existing models.

Updated constraints on compact object abundance may be necessary.

Abstract

Microlensing of extragalactic sources, in particular the probability of significant amplifications, is a potentially powerful probe of the abundance of compact objects outside the halo of the Milky Way. Accurate experimental constraints require an equally accurate theoretical model for the amplification statistics produced by such a population. In this article, we argue that the simplest (strongest-lens) model does not meet this demanding requirement. We thus propose an elaborate practical modelling scheme for extragalactic microlensing. We derive from first principles an expression for the amplification probability that consistently allows for: (i) the coupling between microlenses; (ii) realistic perturbations from the cosmic large-scale structure; (iii) extended-source corrections. An important conclusion is that the external shear applied on the dominant microlens, both by the other lenses and by the large-scale structure, is practically negligible. Yet, the predictions of our approach can still differ by a factor of a few with respect to existing models of the literature. Updated constraints on the abundance of compact objects accounting for such discrepancies may be required.