Weak Gravitational Lensing - The Stage III to Stage IV Transition

Explore the evolution of weak gravitational lensing observations in this 53-minute conference talk that examines the critical transition from Stage III to Stage IV surveys. Learn about the fundamental principles of weak lensing as a cosmological probe and understand how gravitational effects from large-scale structure subtly distort the shapes of distant galaxies. Discover the current capabilities and limitations of Stage III surveys like the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS), then delve into the revolutionary advances expected from upcoming Stage IV experiments including the Vera Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) and the Euclid space mission. Examine the technological improvements, increased survey areas, enhanced depth, and improved systematic control that will characterize this transition. Understand the challenges in measuring weak lensing signals, including intrinsic galaxy alignments, photometric redshift uncertainties, and shear calibration issues, while exploring how Stage IV surveys will address these systematic effects. Gain insights into the expected improvements in dark matter mapping, dark energy constraints, and tests of modified gravity theories that this transition will enable, along with the statistical and systematic requirements needed to achieve these scientific goals.