Investigation of the possible third image and mass models of the gravitational lens PMN J1632-0033

Details Investigation of the possible third image and mass models of the gravitational lens PMN J1632-0033 Investigation of the possible third image and mass models of the gravitational lens PMN J1632-0033

2002-12-19

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0212423v1

Astrophys.J. 587 (2003) 80-89

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Accepted for publication in ApJ (24 pp., 6 figs.)

Scientific paper

10.1086/368150

We present multi-frequency VLBA observations of PMN J1632-0033, one of the few gravitationally lensed quasars suspected of having a central ``odd'' image. The central component has a different spectral index than the two bright quasar images. Therefore, either the central component is not a third image, and is instead the active nucleus of the lens galaxy, or else it is a third image whose spectrum is inverted by free-free absorption in the lens galaxy. In either case, we have more constraints on mass models than are usually available for a two-image lens, especially when combined with the observed orientations of the radio jets of the two bright quasars. If there is no third quasar image, the simplest permitted model is a singular isothermal sphere in an external shear field: beta=2.05^{+0.23}_{-0.10}, where rho(r) \propto r^{-beta}. If the central component is a third image, a hypothesis which can be tested with future high-frequency observations, then the density distribution is only slightly shallower than isothermal: beta=1.91 +/- 0.02. We also derive limits on the size of a constant-density core, and the break radius and exponent of an inner density cusp.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Investigation of the possible third image and mass models of the gravitational lens PMN J1632-0033 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 Investigation of the possible third image and mass models of the gravitational lens PMN J1632-0033, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Investigation of the possible third image and mass models of the gravitational lens PMN J1632-0033 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-724352