Bending of light in the framework of R + R2 gravity

Abstract

We present a tree level approach to the issue of the deflection of photons by the gravitational field of the Sun, treated as an external field, on the basis of R + R2 gravity. We show that the deflection angle of a photon grazing the surface of the Sun is exactly the same as that given by general relativity. An explanation for this strange coincidence is provided.