Proefschrift

Cosmic tomography with weak gravitational lensing

We explored the Universe using weak gravitational lensing, a phenomenon that occurs when light from distant galaxies is bent by the gravitational fields of closer cosmic objects, much like how a lens distorts light.

Auteur: S. Li
Datum: 25 oktober 2023
Links: Thesis in Leiden Repository

Studying these distortions gives us insights into massive objects, such as galaxy clusters, and the large-scale structure of the Universe. However, analysing these weak lensing effects, though powerful, is challenging. Accurately detecting and interpreting these minute distortions require careful management of uncertainties, both from observational techniques and the models we employ. In our study, we rigorously controlled these uncertainties. By enhancing our analysis methods, we provided more accurate constraints on key cosmological parameters. Furthermore, we studied lensing effects around galaxy groups, shedding light on the relationship between the enigmatic dark matter – a difficult-to-detect but predominant component of the Universe – and the galaxies we observe. In conclusion, our research advanced the weak lensing analysis and broadened our understanding of the Universe.