High-resolution observations and mass modelling of the CLASS gravitational lens B1152+199

Abstract

We present a series of high-resolution radio and optical observations of the CLASS gravitational lens system B1152+199 obtained with the Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network, Very Long Baseline Array and Hubble Space Telescope. Based on the milliarcsecond-scale substructure of the lensed radio components and precise optical astrometry for the lensing galaxy, we construct models for the system and place constraints on the galaxy mass profile. For a single galaxy model with surface mass density Σ(r) ∝ r -β, we find that 0.95 ≤ β ≤ 1.21 at 2σ confidence. Including a second deflector to represent a possible satellite galaxy of the primary lens leads to slightly steeper mass profiles.