E-TEST

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 Belgium, the Netherlands & 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 demonstration of feasibility and implementation of the Einstein Telescope in Euregio Meuse-Rhine.

• E-TEST will build a prototype – a large suspended mirror at cryogenic temperature (25 Kelvin) close to the absolute zero – to validate/demonstrate the telescope’s technology in relevant environment at the CSL ULiège (end TRL5 / beginning TRL6).
• 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.

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).

The Central Information Point on the Einstein Telescope has been set up by the EGTC Euregio Meuse-Rhine.

Factsheets with validated information on the status of the three candidate countries Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands are regularly updated and can be found here:

Factsheet on the Einstein Telescope in French

Factsheet on the Einstein Telescope in Dutch

Factsheet on the Einstein Telescope in German

These Factsheets are intended to inform the general public and anyone else who wants to be informed about this promising project. It is also explicitly addressed to the political actors of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine and indicates how they can contribute to maximizing the chances of the Einstein Telescope in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.