Model Selection with Strong-lensing Systems

TL;DR

This study compares five cosmological models using a large sample of strong lens systems, finding that the R_h=ct universe is preferred over LCDM and wCDM, with implications for understanding dark energy.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive model selection analysis using an unprecedented sample of strong lens systems and accounts for additional dispersion in lens modeling.

Findings

Milne and Einstein-de Sitter models are ruled out.

R_h=ct is favored over LCDM/wCDM with ~73% probability.

Potential for future data to decisively distinguish models.

Abstract

In this paper, we use an unprecedentedly large sample (158) of confirmed strong lens systems for model selection, comparing five well studied Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmologies: LCDM, wCDM (the standard model with a variable dark-energy equation of state), the R_h=ct universe, the (empty) Milne cosmology, and the classical Einstein-de Sitter (matter dominated) universe. We first use these sources to optimize the parameters in the standard model and show that they are consistent with Planck, though the quality of the best fit is not satisfactory. We demonstrate that this is likely due to under-reported errors, or to errors yet to be included in this kind of analysis. We suggest that the missing dispersion may be due to scatter about a pure single isothermal sphere (SIS) model that is often assumed for the mass distribution in these lenses. We then use the Bayes information criterion, with the inclusion of a suggested SIS dispersion, to calculate the relative likelihoods and ranking of these models, showing that Milne and Einstein-de Sitter are completely ruled out, while R_h=ct is preferred over LCDM/wCDM with a relative probability of ~73% versus ~24%. The recently reported sample of new strong lens candidates by the Dark Energy Survey, if confirmed, may be able to demonstrate which of these two models is favoured over the other at a level exceeding 3 sigma.