Radio Detection of the Highest Energy Neutrinos with a Ground-Based Interferometric Phased Array

University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

Ultra-high-energy neutrinos are unique astrophysical messengers as they interact only weakly with intervening matter and can therefore be used to probe the distant universe. A small but observable flux of these ultra-high-energy neutrinos are expected to be produced in interactions between high-energy "cosmic ray" charged particles traveling through the Universe and Cosmic Microwave Background photons. Observations of these cosmogenic neutrinos probe the structure and evolution of the Universe and test physics at energies beyond the standard models. Utilizing the large volume of radio transparent ice, several pioneering efforts to detect these high energies neutrinos have been implemented in Antarctica. Ultra-high-energy neutrinos traveling through the dense Antarctic ice generate cascades of particles that emit observable radio waves. This award will support the development of a new method for detecting this signature of neutrino interaction based on radio interferometry. The University of Chicago group will develop, deploy, and test a ground-based interferometric phased array to measure the neutrino-induced radio emission. This array will be integrated with the existing Askaryan Radio Array (ARA) experiment located at the South Pole. The award will also support public outreach efforts in partnership with the Adler Planetarium. The University of Chicago group will design and fabricate beam-forming trigger hardware for the phased array, integrate the new array with the existing ARA station hardware in their local laboratories, and then deploy the instrument to the South Pole and perform in situ tests. With data from the integrated stations, they will evaluate the detector design and acquire scientific data to help develop this technology for a larger-scale experimental deployment.