Arlie O Petters, Professor (primary appt: Mathematics)
Office Location: 208 Physics .
Office Phone: 919-660-2812
Email Address: petters@math.duke.edu
Web Page: http://www.math.duke.edu/~petters
Specialties:
Mathematical Physics
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.
Recent Publications (More Publications)
- A. O. Petters, Gravitational Lensing by Black Holes (February, 2008), in preparation .
- X. Dong and A. O. Petters, Mathematical Finance II (November, 2007), in preparation .
- X. Dong and A.O. Petters, Mathematical Finance I (November, 2007), in preparation .
- M. C. Werner and A.O. Petters, Magnification Relations for Kerr Lensing and Testing Cosmic Censorship, Physical Review D, vol. 76 (September, 2007), pp. 064024 .
- A.O. Petters, Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry: Teacher Edition (August, 2007), BRC, Benque-Belize .
- Current Ph.D. Students
- Marcus Werner
- Amir Aazami
- Alberto Teguia
- Postdocs Mentored
- Kumar Virbhadra (2000/09-2002/02)