Strong Gravitational Lensing with SKA

L. V. E. Koopmans; I. W. A. Browne; N. J. Jackson

doi:10.1016/j.newar.2004.09.047

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arXiv · astro-ph/0409095

Strong Gravitational Lensing with SKA

L. V. E. Koopmans·I. W. A. Browne·N. J. Jackson

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Abstract

The advent of new observational facilities in the last two decades has allowed the rapid discovery and high-resolution optical imaging of many strong lens systems from galaxy to cluster scales, as well as their spectroscopic follow-up. Radio telescopes have played the dominant role in the systematic detection of dozens of new arcsec-scale lens systems. For the future, we expect nothing less! The next major ground- and space-based facilities, especially the Square Kilometer Array can discover tens of thousands of new lens systems in large sky surveys. For optical imaging and spectroscopic follow-up a strong synergy with planned optical facilities is needed. Here, we discuss the field where strong gravitational lensing is expected to play the dominant role and where SKA can have a major impact: The study of the internal mass structure and evolution of galaxies and clusters to z~1. In addition, studies of more exotic phenomena are contemplated. For example, milli- and microlensing can provide a way to measure the mass-functions of stars and CDM substructure at cosmological distances. All-sky radio monitoring will also rapidly develop the field of time-domain lensing.

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L. V. E. Koopmans, I. W. A. Browne, N. J. Jackson. 2004-09-04. Strong Gravitational Lensing with SKA. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newar.2004.09.047

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