# Wave-theoretical description of the solar gravitational lens

## TL;DR

This paper develops a wave-theoretical model of the solar gravitational lens, demonstrating its potential for high-resolution exoplanet imaging by analyzing electromagnetic wave diffraction in a gravitational field.

## Contribution

It introduces a detailed wave-theoretical framework for the solar gravitational lens, enhancing understanding of its imaging capabilities in the context of general relativity.

## Key findings

- Magnification power of ~10^11 at 1 micron wavelength
- Angular resolution of less than 10^-10 arcseconds
- Potential for direct megapixel imaging of exoplanets

## Abstract

We discuss the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in the post-Newtonian approximation of the general theory of relativity. We consider diffraction of EM waves in the static gravitational field of a massive monopole. We develop a wave-theoretical description of the solar gravitational lens (SGL) and show that with its enormous magnifying power of $\sim 10^{11}$ (for $\lambda=1~\mu$m) and angular resolution of $\lesssim 10^{-10}$ arcsec, the SGL may be used for direct megapixel imaging of an exoplanet.