Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2006/iii/paper-72/3/iv/c/solution

Put and write the vector thin gravitational lens equation as . A tangential displacement at fixed radius has eigenvalue . A radial displacement has eigenvalue . From the definition of the mean lensing convergence,
Since , this gives . Consequently,
The two requested gravitational-lensing critical curve conditions are therefore
They correspond respectively to a tangential critical curve of an axisymmetric lens and a radial critical curve of an axisymmetric lens.

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