The last stand before Rubin: semi-automated inverse modelling of galaxy-galaxy strong lensing systems

Galaxy-galaxy strong lensing (SL) systems provide a unique opportunity to test modified gravity theories. Deviations from General Relativity are encoded in the post-Newtonian parameter (γ). As a preparation for the upcoming data from the Vera Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), our research group collected imaging data of SL systems from ground-based telescopes and conducted spectroscopic observations of 21 systems on the Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope to measure the lens velocity dispersions, σ_v. We briefly describe the semi-automated SL modelling of the systems in this sample and combine the results with σ_v from SOAR to derive an estimate for γ. Our preliminary results yield a value of $$γ = 1.17_{ - 0.33}^{ + 0.29}$$, which is consistent with General Relativity. Although the error bars are limited by the sample size, this result represents the first constraint on modified gravity obtained purely from ground-based data, with a sample completely independent from previous studies, and which allows for a self consistent end-to-end analysis.