Gravitational Lensing:  Exploring the hidden Universe using a Dark Matter Lens

Joshua Nollenberg
Assistant Professor, Physics & Astronomy
Macalester College

Nearly a century since Einstein developed his theory of general relativity, one prediction of the theory has developed into a useful tool for exploring the unseen Universe. Gravitational Lensing, the deflection of light by a gravitational field can be used to search for otherwise invisible material in space.   This includes Dark Matter, which is believed to play a significant role in the dynamical evolution of the Universe.  Beginning with a historically-based overview of Cosmology, I will describe the role of Gravitational Lensing in understanding such questions as the nature of Dark Matter, the shape and evolution of the Universe.   Next, I will discuss my research within the field and how it relates to our understanding of the dynamics of the Universe.  Finally, I will discuss avenues of further study in Gravitational Lensing that may present themselves in the near future.