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Arlie Petters

MLK Visiting Scholar 2002-2004 Professor of mathematics, physics, business administration, Duke University
Through our scientific and technological genius, we've made of this world a neighborhood. And now through our moral and ethical commitment, we must make of it a brotherhood.
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Background

Arlie Petters has been the William and Sue Gross Associate Professor of Mathematics at Duke University since 1998 and was named director of undergraduate studies in the department in August 2002. Petters earned his BA and MA in mathematics and physics from Hunter College. He earned a PhD in mathematics from MIT.

Interests

Petters’ research involves mathematical physics, cosmology, singularity theory and differential geometry. Of special interest is gravitational lensing (explaining how light bends over massive distances) and its application to the possibility of a fourth spatial dimension. In recognition of his mentorship of minority students, he received the Service Award from the Princetonians of Color Network in 1996.

Sample Work

  • Publication

    Singularity Theory and Gravitational Lensing

    Petters, Arlie O., Harold Levine, and Joachim Wambsganss. Singularity theory and gravitational lensing. Vol. 21. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.

  • Publication

    Identifying Lenses with Small-Scale Structure. I. Cusp Lenses

    Keeton, Charles R., B. Scott Gaudi, and A. O. Petters. “Identifying lenses with small-scale structure. I. Cusp lenses.” The Astrophysical Journal 598, no. 1 (2003): 138.

  • Publication

    On Relativistic Corrections to Microlensing Effects: Applications to the Galactic Black Hole

    Petters, A. O. “On relativistic corrections to microlensing effects: applications to the Galactic black hole.” Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 338, no. 2 (2003): 457-464.

  • Publication

    Wavefronts, Caustic Sheets, and Caustic Surfing in Gravitational Lensing

    Frittelli, Simonetta, and A. O. Petters. “Wavefronts, caustic sheets, and caustic surfing in gravitational lensing.” Journal of Mathematical Physics 43, no. 11 (2002): 5578-5611.

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