Descripción del proyecto
Preparación para los detectores de ondas gravitatorias de baja frecuencia
A principios del siglo XX, Albert Einstein predijo la existencia de ondas gravitatorias. En 2014 se realizó una observación monumental cuando se fusionaron dos agujeros negros. Los investigadores finalizaron un proceso de décadas investigando las ondas al detectar directamente estas ondulaciones en el espacio-tiempo, lo que validaba la teoría general de la relatividad de Einstein. Si bien la exploración continúa en curso, se necesita disponer de instrumentos más sensibles para aislar las dos fuentes principales de alteraciones de baja frecuencia: la actividad sísmica y las fluctuaciones del campo de gravedad (ruido newtoniano). De hecho, el ruido de gradiente de gravedad generado por los desplazamientos sísmicos es un factor limitante de la sensibilidad del telescopio de ondas gravitatorias de tercera generación de Einstein. El proyecto financiado con fondos europeos SILENT desarrollará una nueva plataforma, controlada por sismómetros ópticos, inclinómetros líquidos y un gravímetro. Flotará en el espacio inercial y contará con nuevos sensores inerciales ópticos y controladores eficaces; por otra parte, permitirá desarrollar modelos precisos del ruido newtoniano.
Objetivo
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 Einstein’s 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.
Ámbito científico
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomyoptical astronomy
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomygravitational waves
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomystellar astronomyneutron stars
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopy
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsblack holes
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-COG - Consolidator GrantInstitución de acogida
4000 Liege
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