CMB Lensing: A New Tool for Cosmology and Astrophysics

Large scale structure in the universe deflects cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons by roughly 3 arcminutes. This deflection field reflects the history of cosmological expansion and growth of structure. With high resolution ground based CMB experiments like the South Pole Telescope and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope already underway, and the space based Planck satellite soon to send back data, time is ripe for perfecting a new set of tools and ideas to reap the scientific benefits of this exciting effect. I will describe the theory, high resolution simulations, new analysis techniques and theoretical expectations from this effect. I will touch upon an array of possible projects involving CMB lensing and large scale structure surveys which has the potential of shedding new light on dark energy, dark matter and galaxy formation.