Determine whether JWST can produce clusters with approximately 1000 multiple images

Determine whether JWST observations reaching a limiting magnitude of 30 AB can attain approximately 1000 reliable multiple images in a single galaxy cluster, thereby providing sufficient constraints to reduce shape degeneracies in cluster lens models.

Background

The paper argues that roughly 250 images per cluster still leave substantial freedom for shape degeneracies, whereas substantially larger image samples could yield more accurate and precise mass reconstructions. It notes that synthetic-cluster studies have considered samples of up to 1000 images.

The observational feasibility of obtaining such large samples remains unresolved. If JWST cannot reach approximately 1000 usable multiple images at its limiting magnitude, shape degeneracies and their approximate counterparts may remain a significant challenge for cluster mass modeling.