Arlie O Petters, Professor (primary appt: Mathematics)  

Arlie O Petters

Office Phone: (919) 660-2812
Email Address: petters@math.duke.edu
Web Page: http://www.math.duke.edu/~petters

Specialties:
Mathematical Physics
Applied Math
Geometry
Probability

Research Categories: Gravitational Lensing, General Relativity, and Cosmology

Research Description: I develop physically based mathematical theories of gravitational lensing (light deflection by gravitational fields) in a variety of astrophysical contexts and investigate the observational consequences of the associated theorems. I am currently researching flux ratio anomalies with applications to the nature of dark matter and exploring relativistic gravitational lensing with applications to supermassive black holes. One of my goals is to emphasize the stable and generic features of lensing, drawing conclusions essentially independent of the oversimplifying approximations of a chosen lens system model. At the same time, I also analyze in depth specific physically realistic models having predictive power. The mathematical tools employed draw upon the theory of singularities, differential geometry, and probability theory. My research involves collaborations with astrophysicists, mathematicians, and physicists.

Teaching (Fall 2009):

Recent Publications   (More Publications)

  1. A. M. Aazami and A.O. Petters, A Universal Magnification Theorem for Higher-Order Caustic Singularities, J. Math. Phys., vol. 50 (2009), pp. 032501 [3447] .
  2. A. O. Petters, Gravitational Lensing and Black Holes (August, 2009), in preparation .
  3. X. Dong and A. O. Petters, Mathematical Finance II (June, 2009), in preparation .
  4. A. B. Aazami and A.O. Petters, A Universal Magnification Theorem II. Generic Caustics up to Codimension Five (Submitted, 2009) .
  5. X. Dong and A.O. Petters, Mathematical Finance I (June, 2009), in preparation .

Curriculum Vitae

Current Ph.D. Students   (Former Students)

  • Amir Aazami  
  • Alberto M. Teguia  
Postdocs Mentored

  • Marcus Werner (2009/07/01 - 2011/06)  
  • Kumar Virbhadra (2000/09-2002/02)