The Normal Cluster Weak Lensing Survey: Mass Profiles and M/L Ratios of Eight Clusters at z=0.2

We present a survey of mass profiles and mass-to-light ratios of eight typical galaxy clusters at a common redshift (z ~ 0.2). We use weak gravitational lensing as a probe because it is unique in avoiding any assumptions about the dynamical state of the clusters. To avoid bias toward the rare and spectacular clusters that are easy targets for lensing work, we selected an ensemble of much more common clusters with moderate X-ray luminosity. Although the survey is still in progress, two conclusions are emerging: (1) within a cluster, mass follows light very closely on the angular scales that we can measure, $0.2-2h^{-1}$ Mpc, and (2) there is a significant cluster-to-cluster scatter in mass-to-light (M/L) ratios despite uniformity of observing, reduction, and analysis procedures. We also derive an estimate of $\Omega_{matter}$ based on extrapolation from the mass properties of these typical clusters. Finally, we discuss the discovery of other clusters in our fields through their lensing signal.