Einstein Telescope task force on detector layout
Organizing Committee
Image: Impression d’artiste du Télescope Einstein. Source: Nikhef / Marco Kraan
Einstein Telescope task force on detector layout
Einstein Telescope (ET) is Europe’s project for a third-generation gravitational wave observatory, aiming to address key questions in fundamental physics and cosmology. Compared to Advanced Virgo and LIGO, ET will achieve higher sensitivity by increasing the interferometer’s arm length to 10–15 km and implementing new technologies. Placing the detector underground and cooling test masses to cryogenic temperatures will enhance low-frequency sensitivity by reducing seismic, Newtonian, and thermal noise.
ET was included in the 2021 ESFRI roadmap. Its construction costs will be driven by underground infrastructure, with preliminary estimates based on engineering studies.
A task force established by the ET Organisation (ETO) is optimizing the detector layout and infrastructure costs while preserving scientific performance. It will assess costs and technical risks of different layout modifications, ensuring flexibility for design uncertainties.
This first task force workshop, at SNS, Pisa, will bring together experts in optics, seismic isolation, cryogenics, vacuum technologies, and civil engineering to update the ET detector layout.