Constraints on the Inner Mass Profiles of Lensing Galaxies from Missing Odd Images
Abstract
Most gravitational lens systems consist of two or four observable images. The absence of detectable odd images allows us to place a lower limit on the power-law slope of the inner mass profile of lensing galaxies. Using a sample of six two-image radio-loud lens systems and assuming a singular power-law surface density [Sigma propto r^(-beta)] for the inner several kpc of the mass distribution, we find a statistical bound of beta >= 0.94 at 68% and beta >= 0.84 at 95%. Furthermore, individual mass modeling using elliptical deflectors yields beta >= 0.85 for B0739+366 and beta >= 0.91 for B1030+074. Modeling central black holes as additional point masses changes the constraints in these systems only slightly to beta >= 0.84 and beta >= 0.82, respectively. The inner mass profiles of lensing galaxies are therefore not much shallower than isothermal.Keywords
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