Ross Ice Shelf in situ radio-frequency ice attenuation

TL;DR

This study measures radio-frequency signal attenuation in the Ross Ice Shelf, providing data crucial for neutrino telescope design by characterizing how signals weaken over distance at various frequencies.

Contribution

First in situ measurement of radio-frequency attenuation length in the Ross Ice Shelf across 75-1250 MHz, informing neutrino detection efforts.

Findings

Attenuation length decreases from 500 m at 75 MHz to 300 m at 1250 MHz.

Measured attenuation length with an uncertainty of 15-55 m.

Results support the use of Ross Ice Shelf in radio-based neutrino telescopes.

Abstract

We have measured the in situ average electric field attenuation length for radio-frequency signals broadcast vertically through the Ross Ice Shelf. We chose a location, Moore Embayment, south of Minna Bluff, known for its high reflectivity at the ice-sea interface. We confirmed specular reflection and used the return pulses to measure the average attenuation length from 75-1250 MHz over the round-trip distance of 1155 m. We find the average electric field attenuation length to vary from 500 m at 75 MHz to 300 m at 1250 MHz, with an experimental uncertainty of 55 to 15 m. We discuss the implications for neutrino telescopes that use the radio technique and include the Ross Ice Shelf as part of their sensitive volume.