Begränsningar i gravitationslinsmodellering av avlägsna galaxer

Abstract

In this thesis, we investigated the limitations of gravitational lens modeling of distant galaxies using the ALMA telescope. The aim of our study was to improve the understanding of galaxy evolution, which in turn could provide deeper insight into the early universe. The simulations were carried out in CASA (Common Astronomy Software Applications), where the lens modeling code was written in Python using the PyAutolens package, and both lensed and unlensed galaxies were modeled. The purpose was to identify which parameters were most suitable depending on different input galaxy models and observational parameters. Furthermore, the goal was to use nearby galaxies as input data in order to compare and evaluate the lens model’s ability to reconstruct these better-known galaxies. The simulations showed that gravitational lens modeling in CASA can generally reconstruct source planes and velocity dispersions well, especially for galaxies that are centered and have a low inclination angle. Despite some loss of detailed information, the thesis shows that gravitational lensing is an effective method for reconstructing and studying distant galaxies that would otherwise be difficult to observe.