A Newtonian pre-introduction to gravitational lenses

DOI10.1088/0143-0807/25/6/009zbMATH Open1064.83512arXivphysics/0311038OpenAlexW2082965229MaRDI QIDQ4655828FDOQ4655828

Authors: Thomas Garel 

Publication date: 8 March 2005

Published in: European Journal of Physics (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: Understanding the deflection of light by a massive deflector, as well as the associated gravitational lens phenomena, require the use of the theory of General Relativity. I consider here a classical approach, based on Newton's equation of motion for massive particles. These particles are emitted by a distant source and deflected by the gravitational field of a (opaque) star or of a (transparent) galaxy. The dependence of the deviation angle $D$ on the impact parameter $b$, and the geometry of the (source, deflector, earth) triplet, imply that different particle trajectories may reach an earth based observer. Since $D(b)$ does not depend on the mass of the particles, it is tempting to set the particles' velocity equal to the speed of light to get a (Newtonian) flavor of gravitational lenses phenomena. Orders of magnitude are obtained through a non technical approach and can be compared to the General Relativity results.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0311038

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Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Approximation procedures, weak fields in general relativity and gravitational theory (83C25) Gravitational waves (83C35)

Cited In (1)

• Simple considerations on the deflection angle of light in General Relativity

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