Abstract
We propose to utilize bedrock as a medium for acoustic detection of particle showers following interactions of ultra-high energy neutrinos. With the density of rock three-times larger and the speed of sound four-times larger compared to water, the amplitude of the generated bipolar pressure pulse in rock should be larger by an order of magnitude. Our preliminary simulations confirm that prediction. Higher density of rock also guarantees higher interaction rate for neutrinos. A noticeably longer attenuation length in rock reduces signal dissipation. The Pyhäsalmi mine has a unique infrastructure and rock conditions to test this idea and, if successful, extend it to a full-size experiment.
Highlights
One of the widely investigated applications of this phenomenon is the search for the characteristic bipolar pressure pulses (BIP; see Fig. (1)) induced by cascades following interaction of ultra-high energy neutrinos (E ≥ 1018 eV) with water or ice
Relevant to the acoustic detection were the drillings conducted within the Extended Site Investigations at Pyhäsalmi aimed at locating the best rock formations for excavation of the giant caverns needed for the LAGUNA-LBNO project [4]
The relevant parameter, influencing the choice of acoustic sensor, is the dominant frequency determined by the time it takes for BIP to fall from the maximum to the minimum pressure value (Fig. (1))
Summary
The pioneering 1957 paper by G.A. Askariyan [1] has outlined a mechanism converting energy deposited by an ionising particle stopping in a liquid into a hydrodynamic pressure-wave. One of the widely investigated applications of this phenomenon is the search for the characteristic bipolar pressure pulses (1)) induced by cascades following interaction of ultra-high energy neutrinos (E ≥ 1018 eV) with water or ice. One of the widely investigated applications of this phenomenon is the search for the characteristic bipolar pressure pulses (1)) induced by cascades following interaction of ultra-high energy neutrinos (E ≥ 1018 eV) with water or ice These two target materials are the only ones currently used or intended for the future deployment of acoustic sensors. Utilization of bedrock for that purpose has never been considered before
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
