English

A Novel Method for Calculating Deflection Angle

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology 2024-01-30 v2

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a method for calculating the deflection angle in the weak-field approximation, applicable to both null and timelike rays. By combining the trajectory equation Z(u)=(du/dϕ)2\mathcal{Z}(u)=(du/d\phi)^2 and the `straight line' u(φ)=sinφ/bu(\varphi)={\sin\varphi}/b, we introduce a new function Φ(φ)\Phi(\varphi). The deflection angle can then be expressed as δ=Φ(0)+Φ(π)π\delta=\Phi(0)+\Phi(\pi)-\pi, which directly depends on the impact parameter rather than the closest approach distance. This method offers a convenient and straightforward approach to calculations, avoiding the complexities of integration or iterative procedures. As an illustrative application, we compute the deflection angle for charged particle in the Kerr-Newman spacetime.

Cite

@article{arxiv.2401.12525,
  title  = {A Novel Method for Calculating Deflection Angle},
  author = {Zonghai Li},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.12525},
  year   = {2024}
}

Comments

5 pages

R2 v1 2026-06-28T14:24:22.342Z