Project description
Preparing for low-frequency gravitational wave detectors
In the early 20th century, Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravity waves. In 2014, a monumental observation was made when two black holes merged. Researchers ended decades-long search for gravitational waves when they directly detected these ripples in spacetime, validating Einstein’s theory of general relativity. While exploration is ongoing, more sensitive instruments are needed in order to isolate the two main sources of low-frequency disturbance: seismic activity and gravity field fluctuations (Newtonian noise). In fact, gravity gradient noise generated by seismic displacements is a limiting factor for the sensitivity of Einstein’s third-generation gravitational wave telescope. The EU-funded SILENT project will develop a new platform, controlled by optical seismometers, liquid inclinometers and a gravimeter. It will float in the inertial space and feature new optical inertial sensors and efficient controllers; moreover, it will allow developing accurate models of the Newtonian noise.
Objective
With the first direct detection of gravitational waves on the 14th of September 2015, a new window has been opened on the Universe. This was the starting point of new science, complementary to the measurement of electromagnetic signals by optical telescopes. Since that date, several detections have been made, offering wonderful validation of Einsteins theory of general relativity, and extraordinary insight on the dynamics of heavy black hole binaries and binaries of neutron stars. The exploration of the Universe through this new window using Earth-based instruments will continue with more sensitive instruments, but will ultimately depend on our capability to isolate them from the two main sources of low-frequency disturbances on Earth: seismic activity and fluctuations of gravity field (Newtonian noise). Due to the extremely small amplitude of gravitational waves, it is a prior concern to carefully isolate the detector from any type of disturbance.
In order to address the aforementioned limitations, this project proposes to develop a completely novel platform, controlled by optical seismometers, liquid inclinometers and a gravimeter. It will virtually float in the inertial space, decoupled from ground motion for periods at least as large as 100 seconds. The controlled platform will be the most stable ever build on Earth. Such performance will be obtained thanks to a revolutionary approach, combining three major innovations: (1) Novel optical inertial sensors, (2) Efficient controllers, combining sensor fusion methods, and dedicated mechatronic architectures, (3) Direct measurement of Newtonian noise.
This project will contribute to prepare the third generation of low-frequency gravitational wave detectors. The outcomes will be also applicable to a large class of other instruments (e.g. particle colliders, atomic force microscopes, lithography machines, medical imaging instruments), ensuring a generic character to this project, and a major scientific impact.
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 astronomy observational astronomy optical astronomy
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy observational astronomy gravitational waves
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy stellar astronomy neutron stars
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics black holes
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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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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-COG - Consolidator Grant
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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-2019-COG
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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.
4000 LIEGE
Belgium
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.