Speaker
Description
The cost of the ET beam tube vacuum system, based on previous-generation GW detector cost extrapolations, remains a major challenge.
Since 2022, under mandate from INFN and Nikhef, CERN, in collaboration with other institutes, has conducted a study to investigate alternative, more cost-effective technological solutions.
To validate these approaches, a 36 m long pilot sector has been constructed at CERN and tested under representative operational conditions. This talk presents the commissioning results of the pilot sector and the experience gained during construction.
Lastly, the advanced TDR will be introduced. Issued in early Q2 2026, this TDR will include a preliminary cost estimate of the beam tube vacuum system and a refined integration into the latest civil engineering design of the tunnel.