Title: Mapping Dark Matter and Cosmic Structure via Gravitational Lensing
Abstract: Gravitational lensing, the deflection of light by massive objects, provides a unique probe of matter distribution in the universe, including the elusive dark matter. This talk will review the fundamental principles of gravitational lensing and explore its significant applications in astrophysics. We will discuss how subtle distortions in lensed images reveal the presence of substructure, such as dark matter subhalos within galaxies and galaxy clusters, providing crucial tests for dark matter models. Furthermore, we will examine the use of gravitational lensing to map the total mass distribution of galaxies and clusters, enabling the measurement of their environments and dark matter content on various scales. The talk will also highlight recent advancements in lensing techniques, including the application of machine learning, and discuss the anticipated impact of upcoming telescopes and surveys on advancing our understanding of the cosmos via gravitational lensing.
