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TianQin and LISA are space-based laser interferometer gravitational wave (GW) detectors planned to be launched in the mid-2030s. Both detectors will detect low-frequency GWs around 10−2 Hz; however, TianQin is more sensitive to frequencies above this common sweet-spot while LISA is more sensitive to frequencies below 10−2 Hz. Therefore, TianQin and LISA will be able to detect the same sources but with different accuracy depending on the source and its parameters. We consider some of the most important astrophysical sources—massive black hole binaries, stellar-mass black hole binaries, double white dwarfs, extreme mass ratio inspirals, light and heavy intermediate mass ratio inspirals, as well as the stochastic gravitational background of astrophysical origin—that TianQin and LISA will be able to detect. For each of these sources, we analyze how far they can be detected (detection distance) and how well their parameters can be measured (detection accuracy) using a Fisher Matrix analysis. We compare the results obtained by the three detection scenarios (TianQin alone, LISA alone, and joint detection by LISA and TianQin) highlighting the gains from joint detection as well as the contribution of TianQin and LISA to a combined study of astrophysical sources. In particular, we consider the different orientations, lifetimes, and duty cycles of the two detectors to explore how they can give a more complete picture when working together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Einstein Telescope (ET) is a proposed next-generation, underground gravitational-wave detector to be based in Europe. It will provide about an order of magnitude sensitivity increase with respect to the currently operating detectors and, also extend the observation band targeting frequencies as low as 3 Hz. One of the first decisions that needs to be made is about the future ET site following an in-depth site characterization. Site evaluation and selection is a complicated process, which takes into account science, financial, political, and socio-economic criteria. In this paper, we provide an overview of the site-selection criteria for ET, provide a formalism to evaluate the direct impact of environmental noise on ET sensitivity, and outline the necessary elements of a site-characterization campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CaLIPSO project focuses on the development of an innovative energetic-photon detector. The detector uses a “heavy” organometallic liquid: the TriMethyl Bismuth (TMBi), 82% by weight of Bismuth. TMBi efficiently converts through the photo-electric effect photons of energies below 1 MeV. The ionisation signal and light produced in the liquid are both detected. Beyond the measurement of gamma photon energies, this detector will allow locating photon interactions in the detector in three dimensions down to 1~\mm^3 and a sub nanosecond timing accuracy. All these desirable properties can be obtained simultaneously with liquid TMBi detector. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The automatic control of the suspended mirrors is a major task in operating an interferometric gravitational wave antenna. To reach the extreme sensitivity required for this kind of detector, an accurate alignment and a stable locking of the interferometer on its working point are crucial. The solution of this problem is particularly complex in the case of a multistage pendulum, such as the suspension system for seismic isolation adopted in VIRGO. A precise knowledge of the suspension mechanical transfer functions (TFs) for different forces applied in the control servo-loops represents essential information to reach the goal. In this article, we describe the apparatus we developed to measure the VIRGO suspension TF and we report the results thus obtained on full-scale suspensions at the VIRGO site. Preliminary results for the implemented control system of the last suspension stage are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The VIRGO signal read-out system is based on a sixteen channels architecture. The system is now installed at the site and the noise of eight of the channels has been measured. The noise at 50 Hz and all its harmonics is coherent with a simultaneous measurement of the power supply. The power supply measurement has been used to remove the 50 Hz line and all its harmonics from the signal read-out noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new range of sealed-tube neutron generators developed by SODERN appears to be appropriate for the industrial environment. The main characteristics are the high emission stability during the very long lifetime of the tube, flexible pulsed mode capability, safety in operation with no radiation in 'off' state, and the easy, transportation of equipment. Some applications of the neutron generators, called GENIE, are considered: high-sensitivity measurement of transuranic elements in nuclear waste drums, bulk material analysis for process control, and determination of the airborne pollutants for environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the measurement of position and orientation of optical elements in interferometric gravity wave detectors. Description of the VIRGO interferometer; Fine and coarse measurement scheme; Imaging system; Calculation of the mass coordinates.