Will the Einstein Telescope find a home near the border triangle of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany? Gerjan van de Walle, business developer with the Einstein Telescope team in Flanders, certainly hopes so and is attending Advanced Engineering to rally companies and engineers to help make it happen.
For those unfamiliar with the Einstein Telescope: it is a third-generation gravitational wave detector that is even more sensitive, with 10-kilometre-long arms, which will be installed underground and is designed to help us better understand the theory of gravity and black holes. Belgium, the Netherlands and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia are collaborating to build this groundbreaking telescope at the tri-border area.
“The first detectors are located in the US and Italy. But this one should give us a better understanding of the theory of gravity that Einstein proposed a hundred years ago,” says Gerjan van de Walle. “It’s a unique opportunity to build on this innovative story right here in our own backyard, using the best technology in the world.”
For science
The Einstein Telescope measures tiny changes in distance between a laser source and a mirror. “These changes could be caused by gravity, but also by vibrations from trains, lorries and other environmental factors,” explains Gerjan. “By building the telescope underground this time and equipping it with the best technology currently available, we can measure much more accurately and further refine the theory.”
That is interesting from a scientific point of view, as it allows us to learn more about the origins of our universe. “Gravitational waves are another ‘sense’ through which we can study the universe. For the last 400 years, we’ve done this using the electromagnetic spectrum – think of the James Webb Space Telescope. But through gravity, we can study matter that doesn’t emit electromagnetic radiation (such as light) – so-called ‘dark matter’ – and look further back in time.”
“Because there was no light for about 380,000 years after the Big Bang,” explains Gerjan. “And so it’s impossible to observe anything from that period. Until now. By observing gravity, we will discover phenomena that we don’t even know exist at the moment.”
Spillovereffect
But alongside the scientific benefits, the potential arrival of the Einstein Telescope is also significant for industry. “First and foremost because we need industry to make this scientific feat possible,” explains Gerjan. “But also because the arrival of such a project brings benefits to the wider region. This is a unique project for a company to associate its name with.”
“The innovative technologies that will be required could also be applied in other sectors in the future. It is therefore very interesting to be at the forefront of this development. Consider other ‘big science’ projects such as CERN. There, you can clearly see a spillover effect on local industry after a few years.”
Gerjan also draws a link to the ‘war for talent’ and the future of innovative roles within our degree programmes. “A project like the Einstein Telescope is exactly why top talent chooses to work for a company. It is designed to last 50 years and will employ a great many scientists and engineers. “What’s more, it’s a tool for the next generation and will hopefully encourage our children to choose STEM subjects, so that we see a greater influx of innovation-focused professionals into our labour market.”
At Advanced Engineering, Gerjan will give a talk outlining the project in broad terms. In the afternoon, a number of scientists will delve deeper into the sensory challenges during an in-depth session. “Come along and get excited about a unique project. The Einstein Telescope transcends Flemish, Belgian and even European borders. Regardless of where you come from or where you work, you can contribute to one of the most innovative projects of our time,” concludes Gerjan.
Thursday 7 May at 11.30 am at Advanced Engineering. The in-depth session will follow later that day from 1.30 pm to 3 pm. You can find more information at www.einsteintelescope-emr.eu and www.etforbusiness.be.