An exploration of circumbinary systems using gravitational microlensing

Abstract

Gravitational microlensing is one of the methods to detect exoplanets–planets outside our solar system. Here, we focus on the theoretical modeling of systems with three lensing objects and in particular circumbinary systems. Circumbinary systems include two stars and at least one planet and are estimated to represent a sizeable portion of all exoplanets. Extending a method developed for binary lenses to the three lens case, we explore the parameter space of circumbinary systems, producing exact magnification maps and light curves.