IceCube: physics, status, and future

TL;DR

IceCube is a large-scale neutrino observatory at the South Pole that studies high-energy cosmic phenomena, with recent results and future upgrades like the Deep Core array.

Contribution

This paper reviews the status, physics results, and future plans of the IceCube neutrino observatory, highlighting its unique scale and capabilities.

Findings

Detection of astrophysical neutrinos

Constraints on dark matter models

Insights into cosmic ray origins

Abstract

The IceCube observatory is the first cubic kilometre scale instrument in the field of high-energy neutrino astronomy and cosmic rays. In 2009, following five successful deployment seasons, IceCube consisted of 59 strings of optical modules in the South Pole ice, together with 118 air shower detectors in the IceTop surface array. The range of physics topics includes neutrino signals from astrophysical sources, dark matter, exotic particle physics, cosmic rays, and atmospheric neutrinos. The current IceCube status and selected results are described. Anticipated future developments are also discussed, in particular the Deep Core low energy subarray which was recently deployed.