Einstein Telescope EMR Site & Technology
The Einstein Telescope is an advanced gravitational-wave observatory, currently in the planning stage, that will open a new window on the Universe. Its infrastructure will be buried 300 meters below the surface to reduce human-, wind- and ground-induced vibrations and movements.
The Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR), border region between the Netherlands, Belgium & Germany, is being considered as a possible location. This is because of its tranquillity, stable ground and strong ecosystem of scientific institutions and high-tech companies.
Will this new centre for research into the distant universe be located in the EMR region?
Scientists, companies and governments in all three countries are exploring the possibilities together.
The Interreg project E-TEST is a very important step of the Einstein Telescope, as it will be a proof of concept, both on the prototype side and on the geological side.
- E-TEST will build a prototype – a large suspended mirror at cryogenic temperature (10 Kelvin) – to validate the telescope’s technology.
- E-TEST will also run an underground study to map and model the geology of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.
This will allow to define the optimal design and location of the future Einstein Telescope.
This project is a major scientific breakthrough but will also have a significant economic impact on SMEs in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.
Why do we need an Einstein Telescope?
With the recent detections of gravitational waves, a new window has been opened on the universe, one century after these waves were predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
Together with these detections, gravitational wave astronomy was born, offering an exciting future for the exploration of the universe through large Michelson interferometers used as gravitational wave detectors, and calling for sensitivity improvement.
Although existing instruments do have margins for upgrades, their performance will be ultimately limited by their location and design.
A significant improvement of sensitivity at an affordable cost can only be obtained using a disruptive technology like it is presented in the Einstein Telescope (ET).
Interreg is the European Union’s tool to support cross-border projects which otherwise would not be carried out.
The Interreg V-A Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR) programme invests almost EUR 100 million in the development of our region until the end of 2020.
The E-TEST project is carried out within the framework of the Interreg V-A Euregio Meuse-Rhine Programme, with € 7,5 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
By investing EU funds in Interreg projects, the European Union is investing directly in economic development, innovation, territorial development, social inclusion and education in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine .