Our new MEMS accelerometer provides acceleration data with ultra-low noise levels. This sensor has significant advantages for satellite positioning, as demonstrated by simulations on low-thrust orbital manoeuvres. With this new technology, we can achieve greater accuracy in autonomous positioning and navigation, which has numerous applications in fields such as aerospace, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. By improving the accuracy of these systems, we can enhance safety, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

ETT

The Einstein Telescope (ET) is an upcoming underground observatory designed to detect gravitational waves. The Meuse-Rhine Euregion, which borders the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, is being considered as a possible location for the project. The project “Einstein Telescope Technologies” (ETT) is aimed at realizing the ET. A consortium of 12 knowledge institutions and companies collaborate within the project to develop the required groundbreaking technologies, subsurface investigations, and technology spin-offs to other sectors. The project complements other research and work in projects such as ETpathfinder, E-TEST, and ET2SMEs.

Technical Challenges

Several technical challenges need to be overcome to realize the ET. These include vibration-free cooling, improved sensors, new algorithms to isolate gravitational wave signals from noise, and the realization of the world’s largest ultra-high vacuum system. It is also essential to characterize the subsurface properly to determine the optimal installation for the Einstein Telescope. Furthermore, the project aims to investigate how the Einstein Telescope can be built and used in the most sustainable way possible. The ETT project aims to address all these aspects.

Spin-Offs Beyond the Horizon

The work packages of the ETT project not only contribute directly to the Einstein Telescope but also have potential applications in other areas. For example, the corrections derived from Einstein’s general theory of relativity are used in satellite navigation systems. This project aims to generate technological spin-offs and position the Dutch industry optimally for ET-related orders. Collaboration with various leading Dutch companies is also promoted.

Leading through Innovation

Apart from developing the necessary technology for the ET and generating technological spin-offs, the ETT project also aims to position the Dutch industry optimally for ET-related orders. Even if the ET is not realized in the Meuse-Rhine Euregion, these parties will obtain a better starting position for future ET-related tenders. By intensifying collaboration with the Dutch business sector, the case for the ET in the Meuse-Rhine Euregion is strengthened. This will enable the Netherlands to position itself better in realizing a world-class scientific infrastructure within its borders, with all the related positive impacts on the region.

About the Einstein Telescope

Gravitational waves were first detected on Earth in 2015 using two laser interferometers. Dozens of gravitational waves have been observed since then, providing a new way to study our universe. Gravitational waves offer enormous discovery potential for phenomena that cannot be investigated with light. Despite the revolutionary initial observations, the current observatories are not sensitive enough to detect gravitational waves throughout the entire history of our universe. To achieve this, a better instrument is needed: the Einstein Telescope (ET).

source: https://et-technologies.nl/project-omschrijving/

Innoseis is now part of the Dutch National Science Agenda (NWA), a large financing instrument from the government that involves the public in deciding which questions science should try to answer (and fund).

Within the NWA project the Dutch Black Hole Consortium (DBHC) we support a nation wide programme to study black holes from various angles – via capturing gravitational waves to imaging the black hole with telescopes and exploring fundamental (mathematical) theories.

The DBHC is also involved in the latest image of Saggitarius A*, our “own” black hole in the center of the Milky Way (see image). Together with scientist from this consortium we also develop new technologies around the possible Einstein Telescope. Read more about this NWA project here: www.dbhc.nl

We hope that the world will continue to stand up and band together to stop authoritarian governments from using violence to enforce their ideology. At the end of the day, we all lose when we’re at war since it only results in misery and trauma.
We wish everyone peace and safety during these trying times.

Einstein Telescope Technologies

In 2015 werd de eerste zwaartekrachtsgolf op aarde waargenomen door twee zogenaamde laser interferometers. Sindsdien zijn er nog ruim 50 zwaartekrachtsgolven waargenomen en beschikken we letterlijk over een compleet nieuwe manier om ons universum te bestuderen; zwaartekrachtsgoven bieden een enorm ontdekkingsprotentieel voor zaken die men in het universum niet met licht kan onderzoeken Ondanks de revolutionaire eerste waarnemingen van zwaartekrachtsgolven, zijn de huidige observatoria niet gevoelig genoeg om zwaartekrachtsgolven over de gehele geschiedenis van ons universum te detecteren. Hiertoe is een beter instrument nodig: de Einstein Telescope (ET).

Technische uitdagingen
Om de Einstein Telescope (ET) te realiseren liggen op een aantal terreinen technische uitdagingen. Bijvoorbeeld: trillingsvrij koelen, betere sensoren, nieuwe algoritmes om zwaartekrachtsgolfsignalen in de ruis te isoleren en een qua kosten acceptabele methode om ’s werelds grootste ultra-hoog vacuüm systeem te realiseren. Daarnaast is het essentieel om zowel de ondergrond goed te karakteriseren, voordat begonnen kan worden met de uitgravingen, als om te onderzoeken hoe de ET op een zo duurzaam mogelijke wijze kan worden gebouwd en gebruikt. Deze (nog verder) te ontwikkelen technologieën komen elk aan bod in een apart werkpakket van dit project. In elk werkpakket werken de relevante kennisinstituten en de industrie samen om deze technische uitdagingen te overwinnen.

Spin-offs voorbij de horizon
Daarnaast geldt voor vrijwel alle werkpakketten in dit project dat, naast het directe belang van ET, er ook zicht is op toepassingen en/of spin-off effecten op andere terreinen. Een mooi voorbeeld van hoe moderne fysica een enorme impact op technologie en ons dagelijks leven kan hebben is het alom gebruikte GPS in navigatiesystemen: zonder de correcties voortvloeiend uit Einsteins algemene relativiteitstheorie zou de satellietnavigatie na een paar uur rijden de bestuurder een weiland in sturen!

Innoseis ST and ESA will work together on a project to determine the accelerometer’s key performance characteristics for use in space as well as simulated results on their impact for certain missions.