Time Domain Response of the ARIANNA Detector

TL;DR

This paper characterizes the time-domain response of the ARIANNA neutrino detector, measuring its effective height and amplifier response to better understand and predict the radio signals from cosmogenic neutrino interactions in ice.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed measurements of the ARIANNA detector's time-domain response, including effective height and amplifier characteristics, and combines these with models to predict neutrino signatures.

Findings

Effective height measured versus incident angle

Amplifier response characterized and verified

Theoretical models combined with detector response for predictions

Abstract

The Antarctic Ross Ice Shelf Antenna Neutrino Array (ARIANNA) is a high-energy neutrino detector designed to record the Askaryan electric field signature of cosmogenic neutrino interactions in ice. To understand the inherent radio-frequency (RF) neutrino signature, the time-domain response of the ARIANNA RF receiver must be measured. ARIANNA uses Create CLP5130-2N log-periodic dipole arrays (LPDAs). The associated effective height operator converts incident electric fields to voltage waveforms at the LDPA terminals. The effective height versus time and incident angle was measured, along with the associated response of the ARIANNA RF amplifier. The results are verified by correlating to field measurements in air and ice, using oscilloscopes. Finally, theoretical models for the Askaryan electric field are combined with the detector response to predict the neutrino signature.