Instrumental systematics and weak gravitational lensing

Abstract

We present a pedagogical review of the weak gravitational lensing measurement process and its connection to major scientific questions such as dark matter and dark energy. Then we describe common ways of parametrizing systematic errors and understanding how they affect weak lensing measurements. Finally, we discuss several instrumental systematics and how they fit into this context, and conclude with some future perspective on how progress can be made in understanding the impact of instrumental systematics on weak lensing measurements.

This is a simple, pedagogical review of how shear systematics affect weak lensing measurements. 11 pages; contribution to the proceedings of PACCD14, accepted for publication in JINST