Exploring the dark universe with gravitational waves: from quantum optics to quantum gravitation

Four Flemish universities combine their expertise in this project, which forms the Flemish Gravitational Waves Consortium. Their expertise comes together in the fields of theory, astrophysics, data analysis and instrumentation. This relates to existing detectors as well as future gravitational wave observatories including the Einstein Telescope.

The research focuses on three themes: precision testing of Einstein’s theory of gravity, cosmology of the early universe and the synthesis and population of stars. The R&D activities in this project contribute to mirrors & coatings, cryogenic electronics and optical design & control.