Project description
Quantum mechanics-enhanced sensitivity of gravitational wave detection
The first-ever detection of a black hole merging with a neutron star occurred less than a year ago, marking the beginning of a new era of gravitational wave (GW) multi-messenger astronomy and cosmology. Harnessing the greater certainty of momentum measurements compared to current position measurements will enhance the sensitivity of future GW observatories. The EU-funded SPEED project intends to do just that. The team is developing new optical components and quantum noise analysis tools for pioneering speed meter interferometers (SMI) to take the technology from experimental test bench to a detailed SMI practical design. The goal is implementation in the proposed third-generation ground-based GW detector, the Einstein Telescope, currently in the planning stage.
Objective
The discoveries enabled by observations of gravitational waves (GW) from merging black holes and neutron stars provided us with a stunning glimpse of the immense potential of GW multi-messenger astronomy and cosmology. In order to discover new phenomena and better understand the constituents of the Universe and the forces driving it, it is vital to improve the sensitivity of future GW observatories. Indeed, to maximise the observation capacity of future GW observatories such as the Einstein Telescope (ET) it is imperative to go beyond the current quantum noise limit imposed by the uncertainty relation originating from a continuous position measurement of the interferometer mirrors, i.e. [x(t),x(t')]≠0. Quantum mechanics provides speedmeter interferometers (SMI) as a more elegant approach: measuring momentum (speed) of the test masses evades the uncertainty limit, i.e. [p(t),p(t')]=0. However, though SMI have been shown theoretically to offer superior sensitivity compared to currently used Michelson interferometers with squeezed light injection, the SMI concept lags behind in technical readiness and hence is currently not yet considered mature enough to build the baseline for ET.
This grant will enable me to change this. In particular I will focus on two novel SMI concepts, we invented and which (in contrast to earlier SMI concepts) are easily implementable into current long-baseline interferometers. The main objectives of this proposal are: 1) development of the required new optical components and quantum noise analysis tools; 2) experimental demonstration, initially in proof-of-concept table-top experiments, followed by implementation in ETpathfinder, a unique cryogenic interferometer test facility; 3) verification of the SMI concept with complementary quantum technologies such as squeezed light; 4) development of a detailed SMI practical design for ET including a science case detailing possible improvements in astrophysics, cosmology and fundamental physics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy physical cosmology
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-ADG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
6200 MD Maastricht
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.