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Neutrino event topology generated by NuLeptonSim as seen in the Askaryan Radio Array

ORAL

Abstract

Energetic (>10 PeV) neutrinos provide a unique window into the most violent astronomical events in the universe, traveling without interactions and pointing directly back to their sources. To develop and refine the observation strategies of high energy neutrino detectors, neutrino propagation through the Earth must be well understood. NuLeptonSim is a Monte-Carlo simulation aimed to study the various effects of interactions that occur as neutrinos and their respective secondaries propagate inside the Earth. The simulation framework began with NuTauSim and has been updated to include stochastic modeling of radiative energy losses of charged leptons and the production and propagation of muons and muon neutrons.. NuLeptonSim was used as the event generator for both primary neutrino interactions and secondary events within a detector simulation of the Askaryan Radio Array, an in-ice radio detector. The results of this simulation show consistency with previous studies regarding sensitivity to primary neutrinos interactions and demonstrate improved neutrino sensitivity when including detection of secondaries. Furthermore, observed secondaries often produce event topologies in which multiple interactions can be observed along the neutrino trajectory, increasing chances of detection in addition to providing a potential method of flavor discrimination.

Presenters

  • Ryan J Krebs

    Pennsylvania State University

Authors

  • Ryan J Krebs

    Pennsylvania State University

  • Abigail R Bishop

    University of Wisconsin

  • Austin Cummings

    Pennsylvania State University

  • William Luszczak

    Ohio State University