  In the context of the standard model of particle physics, there is a definite
upper limit to the density of stable compact stars. However, if there is a
deeper layer of constituents, below that of quarks and leptons, stability may
be re-established far beyond this limiting density and a new class of compact
stars could exist. These objects would cause gravitational lensing of white
dwarfs and gamma-ray bursts, which might be observable as a diffraction pattern
in the spectrum. Such observations could provide means for obtaining new clues
about the fundamental particles and the origin of cold dark matter.
