On the number of solutions of a transcendental equation arising in the theory of gravitational lensing (Q977102)

Let \(w\in \mathbb{C}\) and \(k>0\). The authors are concerned with the number \(n\) of solutions of the equation \(z-k/\sin \overline{z}=w\) in the strip \(\{\left| \text{Re}z\right| <\pi /2\}\). This equation arises in the theory of gravitational lensing. \textit{D. Khavinson} and \textit{E. Lundberg} [Complex Anal. Oper. Theory 4, No. 3, 515--524 (2010)] have used an argument based on holomorphic dynamics to show that \(n\leq 8\). The present paper uses the theory of harmonic maps to show that \(n\leq 6\). Further, any number between \(1\) and \(6\) can actually occur. The method used provides a way of determining \(n\) for given choices of \(w\) and \(k\).