COSMOGRAIL: the COSmological MOnitoring of GRAvItational Lenses

Aims.To predict time delays for a sample of gravitationally lensed quasars and to evaluate the accuracy that can be realistically achieved on the value of H0. Methods.We consider 14 lensed quasars that are candidates for time-delay monitoring and model them in detail using pixelized lens models. For each system, we provide a mass map, arrival-time surface and the distribution of predicted time-delays in a concordance cosmology, assuming $H_0^{-1}=14$ Gyr ($H_0=70$ in local units). Based on the predicted time-delays and on the observational circumstances, we rate each lens as “excellent” or “good” or “unpromising” for time-delay monitoring. Finally, we analyze simulated time delays for the 11 lens rated excellent or good, and show that H0 can be recovered to a precision of 5%. Results.In combination with COSMOGRAIL Paper I on the temporal sampling of lensed quasar light curves, the present work will help to optimize the strategy of the monitoring campaigns of lensed quasars