Einstein Telescope (ET) is the European project for a gravitational-wave (GW) observatory of third-generation. In this paper we present a comprehensive discussion of its science objectives, providing state-of-the-art predictions for the capabilities of ET in both geometries currently under consideration, a single-site triangular configuration or two L-shaped detectors. We discuss the impact that ET will have on domains as broad and diverse as fundamental physics, cosmology, early Universe, astrophysics of compact objects, physics of matter in extreme conditions, and dynamics of stellar collapse. We discuss how the study of extreme astrophysical events will be enhanced by multi-messenger observations. We highlight the ET synergies with ground-based and space-borne GW observatories, including multi-band investigations of the same sources, improved parameter estimation, and complementary information on astrophysical or cosmological mechanisms obtained combining observations from different frequency bands. We present advancements in waveform modeling dedicated to third-generation observatories, along with open tools developed within the ET Collaboration for assessing the scientific potentials of different detector configurations. We finally discuss the data analysis challenges posed by third-generation observatories, which will enable access to large populations of sources and provide unprecedented precision.

The ASTERIX project, funded by CSN5 and proposed at INFN-LNF, aims to demonstrate a practical, meter-long X-band RF structure for linear accelerators made of hard copper and divided into four quadrants. The prototypes will be constructed by TIG welding. In the first year of the feasibility study, we will design the RF cavities for two full structures working at single-bunch and multi-bunch operation. In this paper, structures operating at single-bunch mode for ASTERIX are numerically studied. The surface field enhancements of the quadrant-type accelerating structures are the most challenging issue to be resolved. The geometry near the gap between four quadrants is carefully optimized and obtain low surface field while maintaining high RF performance.

The EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB project aims to develop a state-of-the-art free electron laser (FEL) facility driven by a compact 1 GeV linear accelerator based on X-band technology combined with a plasma accelerating section. To support this ambitious project, an extensive R&D program on high-gradient radiofrequency (RF) components is underway at INFN-LNF. The core of this activity is the Test Stand for X-band (TEX) facility, which was commissioned at the end of 2022. TEX is equipped with a 50 MW X-band RF power source and serves as a platform for conditioning and testing RF components under nominal operating conditions. This paper presents an overview of the activity performed at TEX and ongoing developments, with a focus on the RF components tested at the facility. The development and test of the first EuPRAXIA X-band accelerating structure prototypes are also described with preliminary results.

The goal of the ASTERIX project, proposed at INFN-LNF and funded by the CSN5, is the first-time demonstration of a practical, meter-long X-band RF structure for real linear accelerators made of hard copper and four quadrants. Our joining technique will be the TIG welding for the prototype. During the feasibility study, in the first year, we will proceed to the RF cavity design of two full structures (~ 1m long and ~100 cells), one with optimized geometry for single-bunch and the other one for multi-bunch operation. We will perform the RF design optimization, including thermo-mechanical analysis, of the multi-cell TW cavity and the RF mode-launcher (which will be integrated with the cavity in the most compact way possible) for both structures’ geometries. In this paper, we show the preliminary characterization of the higher-order modes (HOMs) and wake-fields, which are detrimental for the particle beam with high-quality parameters typically accelerated in such structures, in the case of single-bunch operation. The electromagnetic designs will be performed by using the 3D numerical codes Ansys-HFSS and CST-Microwave Studio.

In this paper, we present the RF design of a mode-launcher integrated with an open-type, multi-cell 12 GHz 4-sector structure. The electromagnetic design is carried out using the 3D full-wave electromagnetic solver CST-Microwave Studio. To ensure compactness, a key focus of the integration process is the minimization of the distance between the coupler cell and the accelerating open structure. We evaluate the feasibility of two solutions: two conventional couplers, and another configuration with two mode-launchers employed at both the input and output ends of the accelerating structure. A comparison is performed to assess the performance of the proposed design

The gravitational wave GW170817 from a binary neutron star merger and the simultaneous electromagnetic detection of the GRB170717A by Fermi Gamma -Ray Space Telescope, opened a new era in the multi -messenger astronomy. Furthermore, the GRBs (Gamma -Ray Bursts) and the mysterious FRBs (Fast Radio Bursts) have sparked interest in the development of new detectors and telescopes dedicated to the time -domain astronomy across the electromagnetic spectrum. Time -domain astronomy aims to acquire fast astronomical bursts in temporal range between a few seconds down to 1 ns. Fast InfraRed Bursts (FIRB's) have been relatively understudied, often due to the lack of appropriate tools for observation and analysis. In this scientific scenario, the present contribution proposes a new detection system for ground -based reflecting telescopes working in the mid -infrared (mid -IR) range to search for astronomical FIRB's. Experience developed in the diagnostics for lepton circular accelerators can be used to design temporal devices for astronomy. Longitudinal diagnostic instruments acquire bunch -by -bunch particle shifts in the direction of flight, that is equivalent to temporal. Transverse device integrates the beam signal in the horizontal and vertical coordinates, as standard telescopes. The proposed instrument aims to work in temporal mode. Feasibility study tests have been carried out at SINBAD, the infrared beam line of DAFNE, the e + e - collider of INFN. SINBAD releases pulsed infrared synchrotron light with 2.7 ns separation. The front-end detector system has been evaluated to detect temporal fast infrared signals with 2-12 mu m wavelengths and 1 ns rise times. The present contribute aims to be a step toward a feasibility study report.

The advent of multi-messenger astronomy requires time-domain telescope detectors across the whole electromagnetic spectrum. Furthermore, astronomical fast transients such as FRBs (Fast Radio Bursts) and GRBs (Gamma Ray Bursts) lead to the concept of time-domain astronomy. FAIRTEL, an ultrafast infrared detector for ground-based telescopes, is under development thanks to funding from the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN).

The gamma beam system of the European Extreme Light Infrastructure–Nuclear Physics project foresees the use of a multibunch train colliding with a high intensity recirculated laser pulse. The linac energy booster is composed of 12 traveling wave C-band structures, 1.8 m long with a field phase advance per cell of 2π=3 and a repetition rate of 100 Hz. Because of the multibunch operation, the structures have been designed with a dipole higher order mode (HOM) damping system to avoid beam breakup (BBU). They are quasiconstant gradient structures with symmetric input couplers and a very effective damping of the HOMs in each cell based on silicon carbide (SiC) rf absorbers coupled to each cell through waveguides. An optimization of the electromagnetic and mechanical design has been done to simplify the fabrication and to reduce the cost of the structures. In the paper, after a review of the beam dynamics issues related to the BBU effects, we discuss the electromagnetic and thermomechanic design criteria of the structures. We also illustrate the criteria to compensate the beam loading and the rf measurements that show the effectiveness of the HOM damping.

After a long preparatory phase, including a wide hardware consolidation program, the Italian lepton collider DAFNE, is now systematically delivering data to the KLOE-2 experiment. In approximately 200 days of operation 1 fb-1 has been given to the detector limiting the background to a level compatible with an efficient data acquisition. Instantaneous and maximum daily integrated luminosity measured, so far, are considerably higher with respect to the previous KLOE runs, and are: L(inst) ~ 2.0 1032 cm-2s-1, and L(day) ~ 12.5 pb-1 respectively. A general review concerning refurbishing activities, machine optimization efforts and data taking performances is presented and discussed.