A Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Cosmic Ray Events in IceCube

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new 3D reconstruction algorithm for cosmic ray events in IceCube, combining data from surface and in-ice detectors to improve accuracy in analyzing extensive air showers.

Contribution

A novel unified likelihood-based reconstruction method that integrates IceTop and in-ice data for more precise cosmic ray event analysis.

Findings

Enhanced reconstruction accuracy demonstrated with Monte Carlo simulations.

Advantages over separate IceTop or in-ice reconstructions discussed.

Potential improvements for future implementation summarized.

Abstract

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the geographic South Pole consists of two components, a km2 surface array IceTop and a km3 in-ice array between 1.5 and 2.5 km below the surface. Cosmic ray events with primary energy above a few tens of TeV may trigger both the IceTop and in-ice array and leave a three-dimensional footprint of the electromagnetic and muonic components in the extensive air shower. A new reconstruction based on the minimization of a unified likelihood function involving quantities measured by both IceTop and in-ice detectors was developed. This report describes the new reconstruction algorithm and summarizes its performance tested with Monte Carlo events under two different containment conditions. The advantages of the new reconstruction are discussed in comparison with reconstructions that use IceTop or in-ice data separately. Some possible improvements are also summarized.