Searching for Neutrino Radio Flashes from the Moon with LOFAR

TL;DR

This paper discusses using LOFAR, a low-frequency radio array, to detect ultra-high-energy neutrinos from the Moon, aiming to improve sensitivity and lower energy detection thresholds compared to previous methods.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using LOFAR for lunar neutrino detection, significantly enhancing sensitivity over prior experiments like Westerbork.

Findings

Westerbork set the most stringent neutrino flux limits above 10^23 eV.

LOFAR will improve sensitivity by over an order of magnitude.

Potential to lower the energy threshold for neutrino detection.

Abstract

Ultra-high-energy neutrinos and cosmic rays produce short radio flashes through the Askaryan effect when they impact on the Moon. Earthbound radio telescopes can search the Lunar surface for these signals. A new generation of low- frequency, digital radio arrays, spearheaded by LOFAR, will allow for searches with unprecedented sensitivity. In the first stage of the NuMoon project, low-frequency observations were carried out with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope, leading to the most stringent limit on the cosmic neutrino flux above 10$^{23}$ eV. With LOFAR we will be able to reach a sensitivity of over an order of magnitude better and to decrease the threshold energy.