Recent results from the ARIANNA neutrino experiment

TL;DR

The ARIANNA experiment on the Ross ice-shelf is actively detecting radio signals from neutrino interactions and air showers, aiming to identify cosmogenic neutrinos with autonomous, low-power stations and real-time data transmission.

Contribution

This paper reports on the operational status, air shower detections, and future plans of the ARIANNA neutrino experiment, highlighting its autonomous station design and sensitivity to high-energy neutrinos.

Findings

Detection of air showers over the past year

Operational status of the HRA stations

Discussion of neutrino search sensitivity

Abstract

The ARIANNA experiment is currently taking data in its pilot-phase on the Ross ice-shelf. Fully autonomous stations measure radio signals in the frequency range from 100 MHz to 1 GHz. The seven station HRA was completed in December 2014, and augmented by two special purpose stations with unique configurations. In its full extent ARIANNA is targeted at detecting interactions of cosmogenic neutrinos (> 1016eV) in the ice-shelf. Downward-pointing antennas installed at the surface will record the radio emission created by neutrino-induced showers in the ice and exploit the fact that the ice- water surface acts as a mirror for radio emission. ARIANNA stations are independent, low-powered, easy to install and equipped with real-time communication via satellite modems. We report on the current status of the HRA, as well as air shower detections that have been made over the past year. Furthermore, we will discuss the search for neutrino emission, future plans and the energy-dependent sensitivity of the experiment.