Can gravitational lensing detect Very small deviations in light propagation?

In summary, the study explores the potential of gravitational lensing to identify minor variations in the path of light caused by gravitational fields. It discusses how these deviations could provide insights into the fundamental properties of gravity and the universe, highlighting the sensitivity of lensing techniques and their implications for astrophysics and cosmology. The research suggests that even small perturbations in light trajectories could be detected, advancing our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
  • #1
Precious Adegbite
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Can gravitational lensing detect Very small deviations in light propagation.
So normally with gravitational lensing Technique We get to see how spacetime curvature and gravitational waves affect propagation of light. So I got a questions:
(1) I know gravitational waves are caused by supernovas, collisions and other related actions, but would a quantum fluctuations that cause a quantum scale disturbance in Spacetime which affect light's propagation be detectable by small deviation in Light propagation by some special gravitational lensing techniques.
 
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  • #2
Precious Adegbite said:
So I got a questions:

(1) I know gravitational waves are caused by supernovas, collisions and other related actions, but would a quantum fluctuations that cause a quantum scale disturbance in Spacetime which affect light's propagation be detectable by small deviation in Light propagation by some special gravitational lensing techniques.

(2)...

:wink:
 
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  • #3
Sorry it's just one question... shouldn't have used "questions"... thanks for pointing that out.
 
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I know quantum fluctuations affects lights propagation, but is there a kind of Gravitational lensing technique to detect the small scale deviations.
 
  • #5
Precious Adegbite said:
I know quantum fluctuations affects lights propagation
Can you please give a link to a source that discusses that? Thanks.
 
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  • #6
Precious Adegbite said:
a quantum fluctuations that cause a quantum scale disturbance in Spacetime
...is something that we do not currently have any theory to describe (we would need a quantum theory of gravity and we don't have one). So we have no way of answering questions of this kind.
 
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  • #8
Precious Adegbite said:
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/acp/articl...e-gravitational-field?redirectedFrom=fulltext
The arxiv preprint of this paper (which is accessible to those who can't get behind the paywall for the published version) is here:

https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0010070

This paper does not justify your claim that you "know" that quantum fluctuations in spacetime affect light propagation. The paper is proposing a heuristic picture (i.e., not a full theory) to try to estimate what effects might be observable. Generally speaking, their results do not seem to me to hold out the prospect of actually testing anything along these lines any time soon; the estimated effect sizes are just too small.
 
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  • #9
Since we have neither a good theory nor any experimental evidence bearing on the OP question, it is not answerable at our current state of knowledge and technology. Therefore, this thread is closed.
 
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FAQ: Can gravitational lensing detect Very small deviations in light propagation?

What is gravitational lensing and how does it work?

Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon where the path of light from a distant object, such as a star or galaxy, is bent due to the gravitational field of a massive object, like a galaxy cluster, that lies between the light source and the observer. This bending of light can magnify, distort, and multiply the images of the background object, allowing astronomers to study objects that would otherwise be too faint or too distant to observe directly.

Can gravitational lensing detect very small deviations in light propagation?

Yes, gravitational lensing can detect very small deviations in light propagation. The precision of modern observational techniques and instruments allows astronomers to measure minute changes in the light path caused by gravitational fields. These small deviations can provide valuable information about the mass distribution of the lensing object and the properties of the intervening space.

What are the challenges in detecting small deviations in light propagation using gravitational lensing?

Detecting small deviations in light propagation using gravitational lensing involves several challenges, including the need for highly sensitive instruments, accurate modeling of the lensing mass distribution, and the ability to distinguish the lensing signal from other astrophysical phenomena. Additionally, the alignment of the source, lens, and observer must be precise to detect subtle lensing effects.

What kind of information can be obtained from studying small deviations in light propagation?

Studying small deviations in light propagation through gravitational lensing can provide detailed information about the mass distribution of the lensing object, including the presence of dark matter and its distribution. It can also reveal properties of the background source, such as its structure and composition. Additionally, these studies can help test theories of gravity and the large-scale structure of the universe.

What technological advancements are needed to improve the detection of small deviations in light propagation?

To improve the detection of small deviations in light propagation, advancements are needed in several areas, including the development of more sensitive detectors, higher resolution imaging, and more precise modeling and computational techniques. Improvements in telescope design, such as larger apertures and adaptive optics, can also enhance the ability to observe and analyze gravitational lensing effects with greater accuracy.

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