http://arxiv.org/abs/1706.06589
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is preparing for a major upgrade that may increase its sensitivity by an order of magnitude. A promising technological innovation under investigation for this upgrade is wavelength shifting optics, which could increase the photo-collection area of IceCube’s digital optical modules (DOMs), and shift photon wavelength to where DOMs are more sensitive. Here we investigate the use of IceCube’s drill holes themselves as wavelength shifting optics. We calculate the sensitivity enhancement due to (i) increasing the ice’s refractive index in the holes, and (ii) infusing wavelength-shifting substrate into the ice. We find that, with adequate wavelength-shifter infusion, every ~0.05 increase in the ice’s refractive index will increase IceCube’s sensitivity by 100%, opening the possibility for the substantial, cost effective expansion of IceCube’s reach.
I. Bartos, Z. Marka and S. Marka
Thu, 22 Jun 17
1/68
Comments: 4 pages, 3 figures