Statement of the INFN – Italian Institute of Nuclear Physics and KAGRA Observatory ICRR The University of Tokyo about the development of Third Generation Gravitational Waves detectors
INFN (the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics) and the University of Tokyo have established a long-standing collaboration across a wide range of research fields, including neutrino studies, the Belle II experiment, and gravitational wave observations. In particular, INFN and the KAGRA Observatory of the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research (ICRR) are deeply involved in gravitational wave research through the VIRGO detector in Italy and the KAGRA detector in Japan, together with the LIGO interferometers in the United States, which together represent the state of the art in gravitational wave observation.
To further advance our understanding of the universe and the fundamental laws of gravitation, a third-generation gravitational wave observatory, the Einstein Telescope (ET), is being planned in Europe. Since ET will employ underground cryogenic interferometers, the technologies pioneered by KAGRA are highly relevant.
For this reason, INFN and KAGRA have agreed to collaborate on the development of new technologies, particularly those related to cryogenic systems such as low-temperature mirrors. The collaboration will involve the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and technologies, as well as joint development activities. On the INFN side, new laboratories under construction in Rome and Perugia will participate, while on the KAGRA side the focus will be on improving the interferometer performance. The outcomes of this work will be shared with the broader ET scientific community.
The collaboration will start in 2024 and continue for three years, with the possibility of further extension. This joint effort is expected to strengthen the existing partnership between the two institutions and contribute to the technological developments required for the Einstein Telescope and other third-generation gravitational wave detectors, within a global and multinational multi-messenger framework.