Per Lumen Ad Astra: Gravitational Lensing and Its Many Faces
Major
Physics
Submission Type
Oral Presentation
Area of Study or Work
Physics
Faculty Advisor
Gabe Spalding
Location
CNS E104
Start Date
4-11-2026 8:30 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 9:30 AM
Abstract
This project examines gravitational lensing by bringing together established models of light‑bending with hands‑on exploration of optical systems that reproduce similar effects at laboratory scale. Gravitational lensing occurs when the gravity of a massive object bends the path of light from a more distant source, producing magnification, distortion, or multiple images. This has motivated a wide range of analog systems designed to mimic lensing behavior. Building on prior demonstrations of optical and physical analogs, this work investigates several candidate systems to assess how effectively they reproduce the characteristics of gravitational lensing produced by massive astrophysical objects.
Per Lumen Ad Astra: Gravitational Lensing and Its Many Faces
CNS E104
This project examines gravitational lensing by bringing together established models of light‑bending with hands‑on exploration of optical systems that reproduce similar effects at laboratory scale. Gravitational lensing occurs when the gravity of a massive object bends the path of light from a more distant source, producing magnification, distortion, or multiple images. This has motivated a wide range of analog systems designed to mimic lensing behavior. Building on prior demonstrations of optical and physical analogs, this work investigates several candidate systems to assess how effectively they reproduce the characteristics of gravitational lensing produced by massive astrophysical objects.