CHRONOS: Cryogenic sub-Hz cROss torsion bar detector with quantum NOn-demolition Speed meter
We propose a next-generation ground-based gravitational-wave detector, Cryogenic sub-Hz cROss torsion-bar detector with quantum NOn-demolition Speed meter (CHRONOS), optimized for the unexplored $0.1$-$10\,\mathrm{Hz}$ band between the space-based LISA and future ground-based detectors such as Cosmic Explorer and the Einstein Telescope. CHRONOS combines a ring-cavity Sagnac interferometer with torsion-bar test masses to realize the first quantum nondemolition (QND) measurement of angular momentum in a macroscopic system. By implementing a speed-meter readout in the rotational degree of freedom, CHRONOS coherently cancels quantum radiation-pressure noise and enables sub-Hz observations. We calculate, for the first time, that detuned power-recycling and cavity-length optimization can simultaneously relax technical requirements on both torsion bars and speed meters. Assuming a realistic optical design with 1m torsion bar, we estimate strain sensitivities of $h \simeq 5\times10^{-19}\,\mathrm{Hz^{-1/2}}$ at $2\,\mathrm{Hz}$ for detectors with arm lengths of $2.5$ m, $40$ m, and $300$ m. These sensitivities enable (i) direct detection of intermediate-mass black hole binaries up to 340\,Mpc with SNR=3, (ii) probing SGWB down to $Ω_{\mathrm{GW}}\sim\ 3\times10^{-4}$ at 0.2 Hz with 5 year accumulation. Furthermore, CHRONOS enable to prompt detection of gravity-gradient signals from M 5.5 earthquakes even with a $2.5$ m prototype. CHRONOS thus opens new opportunities for quantum-limited geophysical observation and multi-band, multi-messenger gravitational-wave astronomy.