Constraints on Type Ia Supernova Progenitor Companions from Early
  Ultraviolet Observations with Swift
  We compare early ultraviolet (UV) observations of Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia)
with theoretical predictions for the brightness of the shock associated with
the collision between SN ejecta and a companion star. Our simple method is
independent of the intrinsic flux from the SN and treats the flux observed with
the Swift/Ultra-Violet Optical Telescope (UVOT) as conservative upper limits on
the shock brightness. Comparing this limit with the predicted flux for various
shock models, we constrain the geometry of the SN progenitor-companion system.
We find the model of a 1 M_sun red supergiant companion in Roche lobe overflow
to be excluded at a 95% confidence level for most individual SNe for all but
the most unfavorable viewing angles. For the sample of 12 SNe taken together,
the upper limits on the viewing angle are inconsistent with the expected
distribution of viewing angles for RG stars as the majority of companions with
high confidence. The separation distance constraints do allow MS companions. A
better understanding of the UV flux arising from the SN itself as well as
continued UV observations of young SNe Ia will further constrain the possible
progenitors of SNe Ia.
