On the compatibility of the IceCube results with an universal neutrino spectrum

TL;DR

This paper proposes a minimal modification to the cosmic neutrino spectrum to reconcile IceCube observations, suggesting a universal two power-law model consistent with various datasets and neutrino oscillation physics.

Contribution

It introduces a universal two power-law neutrino spectrum model that aligns with IceCube data and neutrino oscillation assumptions, without relying on specific astrophysical production mechanisms.

Findings

A two power-law spectrum fits all IceCube observations.

The model favors a pion decay source with a slight preference for pγ interactions.

Predicted 0.65 tau neutrino double pulse events in 5.7 years.

Abstract

There is mounting evidence that the IceCube findings cannot be described simply invoking a single power-law spectrum for cosmic neutrinos. We discuss which are the minimal modifications of the spectrum that are required by the existing observations and we obtain a universal cosmic neutrino spectrum, i.e. valid for all neutrino flavors. Our approach to such task can be outlined in three points: 1) we rely on the throughgoing muon analysis above 200 TeV and on the high-energy starting events (HESE) analysis below this energy, requiring the continuity of the spectrum; 2) we assume that cosmic neutrinos are subject to three-flavor neutrino oscillations in vacuum; 3) we make no assumption on the astrophysical mechanism of production, except for no tau neutrino component at the source. We test our model using the information provided by HESE shower-like events and by the lack of double pulses and resonant events. We find that a two power-law spectrum is compatible with all observations. The model agrees with the standard picture of pion decay as a source of neutrinos, and indicates a slight preference for a pgamma mechanism of production. We discuss the tension between the HESE and the throughgoing muons datasets around few tens TeV, focussing on the angular distributions of the spectra. The expected number of smoking-gun signatures of nu-tau induced events (referred to as double pulses) is quantified: in the baseline model we predict 0.65 double pulse events in 5.7 years. Uncertainties in the predictions are quantified.