Abstract
We present detailed modelling of the recently discovered, quadruply lensed quasar J0408-5354, with the aim of interpreting its remarkable configuration: besides three quasar images (A,B,D) around the main deflector (G1), a fourth image (C) is significantly reddened and dimmed by a perturber (G2) which is not detected in the Dark Energy Survey imaging data. From lens models incorporating (dust-corrected) flux ratios, we find a perturber Einstein radius 0.04 arcsec ≲ RE, G2 ≲ 0.2 arcsec and enclosed mass Mp(RE, G2) ≲ 1.0 × 1010 MO˙. The main deflector has stellar mass log10(M*/MO˙) = 11.49-0.32+0.46, a projected mass Mp(RE, G1) ≈ 6 × 1011 MO˙ within its Einstein radius RE, G1 = (1.85 ± 0.15) arcsec and predicted velocity dispersion 267-280 km s-1. Follow-up images from a companion monitoring campaign show additional components, including a candidate second source at a redshift between the quasar and G1. Models with free perturbers, and dust-corrected and delay-corrected flux ratios, are also explored. The predicted time-delays (ΔtAB = (135.0 ± 12.6) d, ΔtBD = (21.0 ± 3.5) d) roughly agree with those measured, but better imaging is required for proper modelling and comparison. We also discuss some lessons learnt from J0408-5354 on lensed quasar finding strategies, due to its chromaticity and morphology.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | stx2242 |
Pages (from-to) | 4038-4050 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society |
Volume | 472 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2017 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science
Keywords
- Catalogues
- Gravitational lensing: strong
- Methods: statistical
- Techniques: image processing