Variability in the gravitational lens system B1422+231

Images of the gravitational lens system B1422+231 in Gunn r and g have been obtained using the subarcsec imaging spectrograph (SIS) at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). The photometry is compared with that obtained using the same photometric system one year earlier. Relative positions and fluxes are determined with improved accuracy. It is found that a variation of 0.12+/-0.02 mag has occurred in the three brightest components. The flux ratios of the components are identical to those measured in the earlier epoch data. This indicates that the different flux ratio of component A to B in the radio observation of an earlier epoch was most likely not the true ratio. The prospect of using the variability of B1422+231 to obtain time delay measurements for the purpose of determining the Hubble constant is discussed. (C) 1996 American Astronomical Society.