Global properties of gravitational lens maps in a Lorentzian manifold setting

Details Global properties of gravitational lens maps in a Lorentzian manifold setting Global properties of gravitational lens maps in a Lorentzian manifold setting

2000-09-29

arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0009105v1

Commun.Math.Phys. 220 (2001) 403-428

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

26 pages

Scientific paper

10.1007/s002200100450

In a general-relativistic spacetime (Lorentzian manifold), gravitational lensing can be characterized by a lens map, in analogy to the lens map of the quasi-Newtonian approximation formalism. The lens map is defined on the celestial sphere of the observer (or on part of it) and it takes values in a two-dimensional manifold representing a two-parameter family of worldlines. In this article we use methods from differential topology to characterize global properties of the lens map. Among other things, we use the mapping degree (also known as Brouwer degree) of the lens map as a tool for characterizing the number of images in gravitational lensing situations. Finally, we illustrate the general results with gravitational lensing (a) by a static string, (b) by a spherically symmetric body, (c) in asymptotically simple and empty spacetimes, and (d) in weakly perturbed Robertson-Walker spacetimes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Global properties of gravitational lens maps in a Lorentzian manifold setting does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Global properties of gravitational lens maps in a Lorentzian manifold setting, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Global properties of gravitational lens maps in a Lorentzian manifold setting will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-343043