I will show first results from two large cluster-lens surveys: the
SDSS Giant Arc Survey (SGAS) and RCS2 Giant Arcs (RCS-GA). These
surveys yield the largest known sample of cluster lenses, with a
well-understood selection function, making it useful for statistical
studies. I will discuss some of the applications: 1. Using
measurements of the Einstein Radius from strong lens modeling, and
M_500 from SZA data for a sample of 10 clusters, we confirm previous
claims that lensing clusters have an Einstein radius ~x2 larger than
expected from LCDM. 2. Strong-lensing clusters are most useful as
magnifying glasses to study the background universe. I will show some
examples.
View poster as pdf.