Tuning in on the cosmic rays of the highest energy - searching for GZK-neutrinos with ARIANNA

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Anna Nelles
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields ; Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2015 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 272251164

The sources of ultra-high energy cosmic rays, the particles of the highest energy currently known, have been elusive. The search is not straight forward, as the charged particles are deflected by Galactic and Intergalactic magnetic fields on their way from an astronomical source before detection on Earth. Also, their flux is extremely low. At the high-energy end of the flux spectrum a cut-off is observed that is associated with an interaction of the cosmic rays with the cosmic microwave background; the GZK-effect. In this interaction neutrinos are created, the GZK-neutrinos. As these travel in straight lines, they will point back to the elusive sources.Since the probability of detecting neutrinos is very low, large detector volumes are needed. Here, the usage of radio emission in ice is a promising method. This method allows one to instrument large areas at low costs that are able to detect the faint radio signal that a neutrino interacting in the large ice volume of Antarctica will generate.The researcher proposes to join the ARIANNA experiment that will exploit the potential of low-cost antenna arrays to detect GZK-neutrinos. She will play a key-role in the design and implementation of the data-analysis tools and contribute in a knowledge transfer about low-power consumption, fast microwave electronics and autonomous power generation for detector stations.The detection (or non-detection) of GZK-neutrinos will significantly influence the current understanding of cosmic ray acceleration.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Steven W. Barwick