This program will address constraints on cosmological dark energy and alternative gravity models using probes of the growth of cosmic structures. Broader impacts of the work include training of a graduate student, and the use of cosmologically inspired sculptures as a basis for public outreach aimed at both science- and art-oriented audiences.
The research will combine galaxy-galaxy lensing with galaxy clustering to determine the evolution of dark matter clustering. Using a novel method developed by the PI, the proposal also aims at measuring the geometry and dark matter distribution at intermediate redshifts via observations of the Lyman-alpha forest. Finally, the PI proposes to test modified gravity by measuring the extended mass profile of galaxy clusters.
