Supernova progenitors and iron density evolution from SN rate evolution measurements

Using an extensive compilation of the literature supernova rate data we study to which extent its evolution constrains the star formation history, the distribution of the type la supernova (SNIa) progenitor's lifetime, the mass range of Core-Collapse Supernova (CCSN) progenitors, and the evolution of the iron density in the field. We find that the diagnostic power of the cosmic SNIa rate on their progenitor model is relatively weak. More promising is the use of the evolution of the SNIa rate in galaxy clusters. We find that the CCSN rate is compatible with a Salpeter IMF, with a minimum mass for their progenitors greater than or similar to 10M(circle dot). We estimate the evolution in the field of the iron density released by SNe and find that in the local universe the iron abundance should be similar to 0.1 solar. We discuss the difference between this value and the iron abundance in clusters. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.