Exact universal gravitational lensing equation
Abstract
We first define what we mean by gravitational lensing equations in a general space-time. A set of exact relations is then derived that can be used as the gravitational lens equations in all physical situations. The caveat is that into these equations there must be inserted a function, a two-parameter family of solutions to the eikonal equation, not easily obtained, that codes all the relevant (conformal) space-time information for this lens equation construction. Knowledge of this two-parameter family of solutions replaces knowledge of the solutions to the null geodesic equations. The formalism is then applied to the Schwarzschild lensing problem.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review D
- Pub Date:
- June 1999
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:gr-qc/9810017
- Bibcode:
- 1999PhRvD..59l4001F
- Keywords:
-
- 04.20.Cv;
- Fundamental problems and general formalism;
- General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
- E-Print:
- 12 pages, submitted to Phys. Rev. D