ARCRAIDER II: Arc search in a sample of non-Abell clusters

Abstract

We present a search for gravitational arcs in a unique sample of X-ray luminous, medium redshift clusters of galaxies. Methods. The sample of clusters is called ARCRAIDER, is based on the ROSAT Bright Survey (RBS) and fulfils the following criteria: (a) X-ray luminosity >0.5×1045 erg/s (0.5-2 keV band), (b) redshift range 0.1 <0.52, (c) classified as clusters in the RBS, (d) not a member of the Abell catalogue and, finally, (e) visible from the ESO sites La Silla/Paranal (declination σ 20°). Results. In total we found more than 35 (giant) arc/arclet candidates, including a possible radial arc, one galaxy-galaxy lensing event and a possible quasar triple image in 14 of the 21 clusters of galaxies. Hence 66% of the sample members are possible lenses. © 2010 ESO.