Weak lensing, dark matter and dark energy

TL;DR

Weak gravitational lensing is a key observational tool for studying dark matter, dark energy, and the universe's expansion, requiring careful control of systematic errors for accurate cosmological insights.

Contribution

This review highlights how weak lensing advances understanding of dark matter structures, cosmic expansion, and tests of gravity versus dark energy models.

Findings

Weak lensing constrains dark matter halo structures.

It measures the universe's expansion rate.

Systematic error control is crucial for reliable results.

Abstract

Weak gravitational lensing is rapidly becoming one of the principal probes of dark matter and dark energy in the universe. In this brief review we outline how weak lensing helps determine the structure of dark matter halos, measure the expansion rate of the universe, and distinguish between modified gravity and dark energy explanations for the acceleration of the universe. We also discuss requirements on the control of systematic errors so that the systematics do not appreciably degrade the power of weak lensing as a cosmological probe.