Sensitivity studies for third-generation gravitational wave observatories

TLDR

Advanced gravitational wave detectors under construction aim to directly observe astrophysical gravitational wave signals, and the proposed Einstein Telescope seeks to fully open the emerging field of gravitational wave astronomy. The paper describes sensitivity models for the Einstein Telescope and investigates limits imposed by fundamental noise sources. The authors develop sensitivity models and evaluate the sub‑10 Hz band dominated by seismic, gravity‑gradient, suspension‑thermal, and radiation‑pressure noise. They present the most accurate sensitivity model to date, ET‑D, incorporating the most relevant fundamental noise contributions.

Abstract

Advanced gravitational wave detectors, currently under construction, are expected to directly observe gravitational wave signals of astrophysical origin. The Einstein Telescope (ET), a third-generation gravitational wave detector, has been proposed in order to fully open up the emerging field of gravitational wave astronomy. In this paper we describe sensitivity models for ET and investigate potential limits imposed by fundamental noise sources. A special focus is set on evaluating the frequency band below 10 Hz where a complex mixture of seismic, gravity gradient, suspension thermal and radiation pressure noise dominates. We develop the most accurate sensitivity model, referred to as ET-D, for a third-generation detector so far, including the most relevant fundamental noise contributions.