The design of a complex instrument such as Einstein Telescope (ET) is based on a target sensitivity derived from an elaborate case for scientific exploration. At the same time it incorporates many trade-off decisions to maximize the scientific value by balancing the performance of the various subsystems against the cost of the installation and operation. In this paper we discuss the impact of a long signal recycling cavity (SRC) on the quantum noise performance. We show the reduction in sensitivity due to a long SRC for an ET high-frequency interferometer, provide details on possible compensations schemes and suggest a reduction of the SRC length. We also recall details of the trade-off between the length and optical losses for filter cavities, and show the strict requirements for an ET low-frequency interferometer. Finally, we present an alternative filter cavity design for an ET low-frequency interferometer making use of a coupled cavity, and discuss the advantages of the design in this context.

• Received 16 March 2020
• Accepted 26 March 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.101.082002