Diffraction of electromagnetic waves in the gravitational field of the Sun Article Swipe
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· 2017
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.96.024008
· OA: W2609216463
We consider the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in the\ngravitational field of the Sun within the first post-Newtonian approximation of\nthe general theory of relativity. We solve Maxwell's equations for the EM field\npropagating on the background of a static mass monopole and find an exact\nclosed form solution for the Debye potentials, which, in turn, yield a solution\nto the problem of diffraction of EM waves in the gravitational field of the\nSun. The solution is given in terms of the confluent hypergeometric function\nand, as such, it is valid for all distances and angles. Using this solution, we\ndevelop a wave-theoretical description of the solar gravitational lens (SGL)\nand derive expressions for the EM field and energy flux in the immediate\nvicinity of the focal line of the SGL. Aiming at the potential practical\napplications of the SGL, we study its optical properties and discuss its\nsuitability for direct high-resolution imaging of a distant exoplanet.\n
