PIRSA:26010075

Listening Through Gravitational Wave Lensing: From Geometric Optics to Wave Optics

(2026). Listening Through Gravitational Wave Lensing: From Geometric Optics to Wave Optics. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/26010075

Listening Through Gravitational Wave Lensing: From Geometric Optics to Wave Optics. Perimeter Institute, Jan. 08, 2026, https://pirsa.org/26010075 

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:26010075,
            doi = {10.48660/26010075},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/26010075},
            author = {},
            keywords = {Strong Gravity},
            language = {en},
            title = {Listening Through Gravitational Wave Lensing: From Geometric Optics to Wave Optics},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2026},
            month = {jan},
            note = {PIRSA:26010075 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }
Xikai Shan
Talk numberPIRSA:26010075
DOI10.48660/26010075
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

Gravitational waves (GW) offer a new and independent window onto the Universe. However, as they propagate across cosmological distances, they are inevitably affected by the intervening matter distribution. In this talk, I present a comprehensive overview of my work on the gravitational lensing of GWs, spanning weak lensing by the large-scale structure of the Universe, strong lensing by galaxies, and microlensing by stars and compact objects, and covering lensing effects from the geometric-optics to the wave-optics regimes. I highlight how gravitational lensing can serve not only as a systematic effect in GW observations, but also as a novel probe of cosmic structure and fundamental physics. Finally, I discuss future directions of GW lensing studies, inspired by advances in electromagnetic lensing.