Image simulations for strong and weak gravitational lensing

Abstract

Gravitational lensing has been identified as a powerful tool to address fundamental problems in astrophysics at different scales, ranging from exoplanet identification to dark energy and dark matter characterization in cosmology. Image simulations have played a fundamental role in the realization of the full potential of gravitational lensing by providing a means to address needs such as systematic error characterization, pipeline testing, calibration analyses, code validation, and model development. We present a general overview of the generation and applications of image simulations in strong and weak gravitational lensing.