Principles of gravitational lensing : light deflection as a probe of astrophysics and cosmology / Arthur B. Congdon, Charles R. Keeton.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Congdon, Arthur B., author.

Keeton, Charles R., author.

Series:

Springer-Praxis books in astronomy and planetary sciences

Springer Praxis books. Astronomy and planetary sciences

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gravitational lenses.

Astrophysics.

Physical Description:

xii, 287 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cham, Switzerland : Springer, 2018.

Summary:

"This textbook provides an introduction to gravitational lensing, which has become an invaluable tool in modern astrophysics, with applications that range from finding planets orbiting distant stars to understanding how dark matter and dark energy conspired to form the cosmic structures we see today. Principles of Gravitational Lensing begins with Einstein's prediction that gravity bends light, and shows how that fundamental idea has spawned a rich field of study over the past century. The gravitational deflection of light was first detected by Eddington during a solar eclipse in May 1919, launching Einstein and his theory of relativity into public view. Yet the possibility of using the phenomenon to unlock mysteries of the Universe seemed remote, given the technology of the day. Theoretical work was carried out sporadically over the next six decades, but only with the discovery of the system Q0957+561 in 1979 was gravitational lensing transformed from a curiosity of general relativ ity into a practical observational tool. This book describes how the three subfields known as strong lensing, weak lensing, and microlensing have grown independently but become increasingly intertwined. Drawing on their research experience, Congdon and Keeton begin with the basic physics of light bending, then present the mathematical foundations of gravitational lensing, building up to current research topics in a clear and systematic way. Relevant background material from physics and mathematics is included, making the book self-contained. The derivations and explanations are supplemented by exercises designed to help students master the theoretical concepts as well as the methods that drive current research. An extensive bibliography guides those wishing to delve more deeply into particular areas of interest. Principles of Gravitational Lensing is ideal for advanced students and seasoned researchers looking to penetrate this thriving subject and even contribute research of their own Back cover.

Contents:

Gravitational lenses with circular symmetry

Light deflection in curved spacetime

Multiple imaging in the weak-field limit

Microlensing within the local group

Strong lensing by galaxies

Strong and weak lensing by galaxy clusters

Weak lensing by large-scale structure

Lensing of the cosmic microwave background

Appendix A: calculus of variations

Appendix B: functions of complex variable

Appendix C: orthogonal functions

Appendix D: Fourier analysis

Appendix E: computational techniques.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version:

ISBN:

9783030021214

3030021211

OCLC:

1051679096