Probing the anisotropic distribution of baryon matter in the Universe using fast radio bursts *

Abstract

We propose that fast radio bursts (FRBs) can be used as probes to constrain the possible anisotropic distribution of baryon matter in the Universe. Monte Carlo simulations show that 400 (800) FRBs are sufficient to detect the anisotropy at a 95% (99%) confidence level if the dipole amplitude has an order of magnitude of 0.01. However, more FRBs are required to tightly constrain the dipole direction. Even 1000 FRBs are insufficient to constrain the dipole direction within the angular uncertainty Delta theta < 40 degrees at a 95% confidence level. The uncertainty on the dispersion measure of a host galaxy does not significantly affect the results. However, if the dipole amplitude is in the region of 0.001, 1000 FRBs are not enough to correctly detect the anisotropic signal.