4 research outputs found
Cosmography with the Einstein Telescope
Einstein Telescope (ET) is a 3rd generation gravitational-wave (GW) detector
that is currently undergoing a design study. ET can detect millions of compact
binary mergers up to redshifts 2-8. A small fraction of mergers might be
observed in coincidence as gamma-ray bursts, helping to measure both the
luminosity distance and red-shift to the source. By fitting these measured
values to a cosmological model, it should be possible to accurately infer the
dark energy equation-of-state, dark matter and dark energy density parameters.
ET could, therefore, herald a new era in cosmology.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure
Compact Binary Coalescences in the Band of Ground-based Gravitational-Wave Detectors
As the ground-based gravitational-wave telescopes LIGO, Virgo, and GEO 600
approach the era of first detections, we review the current knowledge of the
coalescence rates and the mass and spin distributions of merging neutron-star
and black-hole binaries. We emphasize the bi-directional connection between
gravitational-wave astronomy and conventional astrophysics. Astrophysical input
will make possible informed decisions about optimal detector configurations and
search techniques. Meanwhile, rate upper limits, detected merger rates, and the
distribution of masses and spins measured by gravitational-wave searches will
constrain astrophysical parameters through comparisons with astrophysical
models. Future developments necessary to the success of gravitational-wave
astronomy are discussed.Comment: Replaced with version accepted by CQG
The Einstein Telescope: a third-generation gravitational wave observatory
Advanced gravitational wave interferometers, currently under realization, will soon permit the detection of gravitational waves from astronomical sources. To open the era of precision gravitational wave astronomy, a further substantial improvement in sensitivity is required. The future space-based Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and the third-generation ground-based observatory Einstein Telescope (ET) promise to achieve the required sensitivity improvements in frequency ranges. The vastly improved sensitivity of the third generation of gravitational wave observatories could permit detailed measurements of the sources' physical parameters and could complement, in a multi-messenger approach, the observation of signals emitted by cosmological sources obtained through other kinds of telescopes. This paper describes the progress of the ET project which is currently in its design study phas