IceCubeanturi

IceCubeanturi is a proposed extension concept for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. It envisions a modular subarray of optical sensors embedded in the Antarctic ice to enhance the detection of high-energy neutrinos by collecting more Cherenkov photons and improving event reconstruction.

Etymology: The name combines IceCube with anturi, a term used here to denote sensor units or antenna-like elements. The term reflects the aim of creating a distributed network of small sensing elements within the ice.

Design and operation: The concept envisions densely packed digital optical modules arranged in a grid at depths around 1.5 to 2.5 kilometers. Each module would include fast timing electronics, low-power sensors, and calibration systems. The array would interface with the existing IceCube infrastructure, enabling coordinated triggering and data processing at surface facilities. The goal is to increase the effective volume and improve angular and energy resolution.

Scientific context and status: If realized, IceCubeanturi could enhance sensitivity to astrophysical neutrino sources, enable better discrimination between atmospheric and cosmic neutrinos, and improve measurements of ice properties through in-situ calibration. At present, IceCubeanturi remains a hypothetical concept with no deployed hardware or formal funding, discussed mainly in design studies and speculative literature.