German and Dutch firms to develop technology for the Einstein Telescope with funding

Microwave Photonics GmbH from Duisburg in Germany and Sabratha from Enschede in the Netherlands are joining forces to develop a system capable of transmitting extremely precise signals via fibre optics. The technology is intended for the future Einstein Telescope. Their REFLOW project is the first to receive a grant of 75,000 euros from the Interreg programme COMET (CoMaking the Einstein Telescope).

From cross-border ambition to collaboration

On 9 July, during the kick-off meeting of the REFLOW consortium, the first COMET grant was officially awarded. The project has received the grant to further develop and test the joint technology.

COMET promotes collaboration between companies and research institutions in the Netherlands and Germany to address the technological challenges of the Einstein Telescope. The programme brings parties across the border into contact with one another and supports new collaborations through, amongst other things, matchmaking, workshops and grants.

REFLOW is the first project to actually take that step. Microwave Photonics GmbH and Sabratha each possess the specialist knowledge required for the new system. By combining their expertise, they can jointly tackle a technological challenge that would be much more difficult for a single company to achieve on its own.

Transmitting signals as accurately as possible

The two companies are collaborating on a system that allows signals to be transmitted with great precision over long distances via fibre optics. The challenge is to ensure that the signal remains as stable as possible whilst in transit. This is important for the Einstein Telescope, as the various components of the future detector must work together with extreme precision.

The companies complement each other in this regard. Microwave Photonics has extensive experience in the reliable transmission of signals via fibre optics. Sabratha develops specialised photonic chips capable of converting electrical signals into light. Within REFLOW, they are bringing both technologies together in a single system, for which they will then build and test a prototype.

Founder and CEO Andreas Stöhr sees REFLOW as an opportunity to further develop Microwave Photonics’ technology.

“For Microwave Photonics, this grant helps us to further develop RF-over-fibre solutions for the distribution of synchronised RF signals with excellent phase stability over long fibre-optic links.”

Collaboration with European partners

For Steven Ye, co-founder and CTO of Sabratha, it is precisely this cross-border collaboration that is a key part of the project.

“This grant is a significant milestone for Sabratha. The project enables us to validate our technology in a highly demanding use case whilst strengthening our collaboration with European partners. Together, we can tackle challenges that neither company could resolve as effectively on its own.”

This collaboration is precisely what COMET aims to encourage. The development of the Einstein Telescope requires innovations across various technological fields. This offers opportunities for specialist companies to apply their expertise, develop new products and build international partnerships. Moreover, technology developed for this purpose may also prove useful for other applications in the future.

More collaborations to follow

With the launch of REFLOW, COMET’s ambition is becoming a reality for the first time: a German and a Dutch company are pooling their expertise to jointly develop technology for the Einstein Telescope. In doing so, REFLOW demonstrates how the Einstein Telescope can not only advance science and technology, but also forge new links between companies on both sides of the border.

Test your idea

REFLOW is the first project to receive funding from the COMET programme, but the programme is looking for more Dutch and German SMEs and research institutions that wish to work together on technological solutions. In the Netherlands, the programme area covers the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, North Brabant and Limburg, and in Germany, the federal states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Would you like to find out more or submit a project idea yourself? Companies and research institutions from the programme area can test their idea without obligation via the COMET website or contact us via info@comet-interreg.eu.