Gravitational LensesLight observed from distant objects is found to be deflected by the gravitational field of massive objects near the line of sight - an effect predicted by Einstein in his first paper setting forth the general theory of relativity, and confirmed by Eddington soon afterwards. If the source of the light is sufficiently distant and bright, and if the intervening object is massive enough and near enough to the line of sight, the gravitational field acts like a lens, focusing the light and producing one or more bright images of the source. This book, by renowned researchers in the field, begins by discussing the basic physics behind gravitational lenses: the optics of curved space-time. It then derives the appropriate equations for predicting the properties of these lenses. In addition, it presents up-to-date observational evidence for gravitational lenses and describes the particular properties of the observed cases. The authors also discuss applications of the results to problems in cosmology. |
Contents
| 1 | |
Basic facts and the observational situation | 25 |
Optics in curved spacetime | 91 |
Derivation of the lens equation | 119 |
Properties of the lens mapping | 157 |
Lensing near critical points | 183 |
Wave optics in gravitational lensing | 217 |
Simple lens models | 229 |
Multiple light deflection | 281 |
Numerical methods | 295 |
Applications | 371 |
Gravitational lenses as astrophysical tools | 467 |
References | 517 |
| 545 | |
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Common terms and phrases
amplification bias angular separation approximation arcs arcseconds assumed BL Lac objects brightness caustic Chap compact objects components consider corresponding cosmological critical curve cross-section cusps dark matter deflection angle deflector delay denotes derived described determined dimensionless discussed distance elliptical emission extended sources Fermat potential Fermat's principle geometrical gravitational lensing Hence high-redshift integral intrinsic isothermal sphere Jacobian Jacobian matrix larger lens equation lens mapping lens model lens plane light bundles light curves light deflection light rays luminosity function magnification magnification probability mass distribution matter distribution method microlensing multiple images number of images observed obtained optical depth overdensity parameters perturbed point mass point source properties QSOs quasars radial radio galaxies radius redshift scale Schwarzschild lens Sect shear source counts source plane source position statistical surface mass density symmetric tangent values variability vector velocity VLBI yields