Geometry/topology Seminar
Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 4:30pm, 119 Physics
Marcus Werner (Duke)
Geometry and topology in gravitational lensing theory
Abstract:- Gravitational lensing is a thriving research field at the interface of theoretical physics, mathematical physics and astrophysics. In this talk, I will discuss some applications of geometry and topology in gravitational lensing theory in the limit of small deflection angles, using the optical metric and the impulse approximation. It will be shown how the Gauss-Bonnet theorem offers a new global perspective of lensing, and I will review briefly how Morse theory can be used to constrain image numbers. A new interpretation of some magnification invariants in terms of Lefschetz fixed point theory will also be presented.
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