Gravitational lens surveys with LOFAR

TL;DR

LOFAR's deep, high-resolution surveys enable large-scale gravitational lens searches by allowing direct morphological selection of candidates, leveraging the long baselines of E-LOFAR.

Contribution

This paper introduces a novel approach to gravitational lens detection using LOFAR's high-resolution surveys and outlines strategies for exploiting this potential.

Findings

First large-scale survey capable of direct morphological lens candidate selection

Utilization of LOFAR's long baselines enhances resolution for lens detection

Potential for significant advancements in gravitational lens discovery

Abstract

Deep surveys planned as a Key Science Project of LOFAR provide completely new opportunities for gravitational lens searches. For the first time do large-scale surveys reach the resolution required for a direct selection of lens candidates using morphological criteria. We briefly describe the strategies that we will use to exploit this potential. The long baselines of an international E-LOFAR are essential for this project.