Six consortia with a total of 26 Dutch high-tech companies and knowledge institutions will develop crucial technology for the Einstein Telescope, Europe’s most advanced observatory for measuring gravitational waves from space. The consortia will focus on challenges in optics, vacuum technology, vibration-free cooling, vibration damping and thermal deformations. For this, they will receive over €12 million in funding. Together, they will provide groundbreaking technology for the future observatory, as well as economic opportunities by driving high-tech innovation.
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Recently three new consortia added
Three new consortia are receiving financial support from the R&D scheme for the Einstein Telescope, as will three consortia already launched earlier in 2024. The R&D scheme is part of the Einstein Telescope valorisation programme for high-tech companies, a programme of the Dutch National Growth Fund. The scheme is implemented by the regional development companies (ROMs) led by LIOF. The purpose of the R&D scheme is to stimulate innovation and accelerate development of new technologies for the Einstein Telescope. To this end, the six consortia will collectively receive a grant of over €12 million. Combined with company contributions, the total project value is €14 million.
Einstein Telescope, a new window on the universe
The Einstein Telescope will be Europe’s most advanced observatory for gravitational waves, more than 10 times more sensitive than existing observatories for gravitational waves. A large group of European research institutes, companies and governments are working together on this ambitious project. The Dutch consortia are jumping in with part of the required technology. Read more about the 3 recently formed consortia for Optics, Thermal Deformations and Vacuum Technology below.
Optics Consortium
The heart of the Einstein Telescope is a series of precise mirrors made of silicon, 45 cm in diameter and weighing about 200 kg. These mirrors must be extremely smooth, reflect 99.999% of the laser light and operate at cryogenic temperatures between 10 to 20 °C above absolute zero. Einstein Telescope’s predecessor LIGO uses smaller and lighter fused silica mirrors, operating at room temperature.
Read more at hollandhightech.nl.
