The Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) investigates subsurface for Einstein Telescope

TNO-GDN investigates suitability of subsurface infrastructure for building Einstein Telescope

GDN, part of TNO, will study the suitability of subsurface infrastructure for the yet-to-be-built Einstein Telescope. This research is a collaboration between TNO and Nikhef.

The underground Einstein Telescope will be a state-of-the-art observatory that captures gravity waves from the universe. Gravitational waves carry information about events in space, from neutron stars to the first seconds after the Big Bang. The Einstein Telescope will soon allow gravity waves to be measured more precisely than ever before. This makes the observatory highly significant for international physics and astronomy, and a driver of innovation for the whole world.

Location of Einstein Telescope

Its tranquillity, stable soil, and concentration of knowledge institutions and high-tech companies makes the border area of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany the perfect location for the Einstein Telescope. Concerning the location of the observatory, TNO GDN will contribute to the feasibility study into the suitability of the subsurface. To this end, a collaboration agreement has been signed with Nikhef, the scientific partner in the project office investigating the feasibility of the Einstein Telescope in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion.

Stan Bentvelsen, director of Nikhef: ‘For such a large and complex challenge as working on the Einstein Telescope, it’s vital to have the support of sound partners. We have the expertise in-house, but it’s always wise to have another expert to observe, advise, and weigh up the results. We’re delighted that a leading institute such as TNO is going to do that for us.’

Unique project 200 to 300 metres underground

In addition to new technologies, the Einstein Telescope’s unprecedented accuracy also depends on its placement at a depth of 200 to 300 metres below the surface. This keeps it far away from superficial vibrations and other disturbances.

The underground infrastructure of this project will be unique. The Einstein Telescope requires three ten-kilometre tunnels. These are arranged in an equilateral triangle with vertical shafts at the vertices. This special setup needs be designed in close consultation with tunnel engineers and geoscientists.

Michiel van der Meulen, chief geologist for GDN, says: ‘We are proud to contribute to the study and look forward to working together. It’s a fantastic prospect, studying the universe from underground.’

Read here for more about the Einstein Telescope.