# Weak lensing from space I: instrumentation and survey strategy

Abstract : A wide-field space-based imaging telescope is necessary to fully exploit the technique of observing dark matter via weak gravitational lensing. This first paper in a three part series outlines the survey strategies and relevant instrumental parameters for such a mission. As a concrete example of hardware design, we consider the proposed Supernova/Acceleration Probe (SNAP). Using SNAP engineering models, we quantify the major contributions to this telescope's point spread function (PSF). These PSF contributions are relevant to any similar wide-field space telescope. We further show that the PSF of SNAP or a similar telescope will be smaller than current ground-based PSFs, and more isotropic and stable over time than the PSF of the Hubble Space Telescope. We outline survey strategies for two different regimes--a wide'' 300 square degree survey and a deep'' 15 square degree survey that will accomplish various weak lensing goals including statistical studies and dark matter mapping.
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http://hal.in2p3.fr/in2p3-00455332
Contributor : Julien Guy <>
Submitted on : Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 11:56:55 AM
Last modification on : Friday, April 10, 2020 - 4:58:18 PM

### Citation

J. Rhodes, A. Refregier, R. Massey, J. Albert, D. Bacon, et al.. Weak lensing from space I: instrumentation and survey strategy. Astroparticle Physics, Elsevier, 2004, 20, pp.377-389. ⟨10.1016/S0927-6505(03)00259-7⟩. ⟨in2p3-00455332⟩

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