A Nonimaging Passively Scanning Optical System Consisting of a Point Gravitational Lens and a Telescope

摘要

The spread function of the process of observation of celestial objects based on passive scanning with the help of a system consisting of a point gravitational lens and a telescope is determined in the geometrical optics approximation. The telescope serves as a concentrator of light flow prior to a detector and to a certain degree need not possess a high quality of imaging inherent in telescopes. The theoretical resolving power and the penetrating ability of such a system are estimated. Curves of the response to the passage of a gravitator across the disc of a star generating the point gravitational lens of the system are presented. Recording of similar variations of the light flow from the stars presents, in particular, one of the possibilities for detecting black holes. The observation method proposed may remain efficient also in the case when the diffraction limit of resolution of the telescope does not allow visible indications of the presence of a gravitational lens between the object of observation and the telescope to be obtained. This extends the circle of gravitational lenses accessible to detection, studies, and possible utilization for studying remote regions of the universe.