Using gravitational lens geometry to measure cosmological parameters

We develop a technique for measuring cosmological parameters ([omega]M and w) using gravitational lens geometry, source and lens redshifts, and the velocity dispersion of the lensing galaxy. This technique makes use of the relation [theta][sub]E = 4[pi]... where the critical radius [theta][sub]E and the one-dimensional velocity dispersion of the lensing galaxy [sigma]v are observable and the angular diameter distance ratio D[sub]LS/D[sub]S is related to the source and lens redshifts Z[source] and Z[lens] through the cosmological model. We assess the feasibility of this technique by examining the dependence of that ratio on cosmological parameters, doing a Monte Carlo simulation with a singular isothermal sphere lens galaxy, and estimating the error due to the asymmetry of real lenses. We conclude that the method is feasible with a large lens sample and a nearly circular projected mass distribution. We expect errors of less than 0.1 in [omega]M for a flat universe with a cosmological constant and a lens sample selected so that the axial ratio f > 0.8 for each lens.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Physics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Dorsher, Susan E. (Susan Elaine), 1982-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jacqueline N. Hewitt.

• Physics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/32737

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/32737