Giant Radio Array for Neutrino Detection (GRAND)

TL;DR

GRAND is a large-scale radio array designed to detect ultra-high-energy neutrinos and cosmic rays, promising unprecedented sensitivity and versatility in astroparticle physics research.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, large-area radio array concept for detecting ultra-high-energy neutrinos, with a detailed staged development plan for practical implementation.

Findings

GRAND will significantly improve neutrino detection sensitivity.

The array will enable comprehensive studies of cosmic rays and photons.

A feasible R&D and deployment strategy is outlined.

Abstract

GRAND is a newly proposed series of radio arrays with a combined area of 200,000 square km, to be deployed in mountainous areas. Its primary goal is to measure cosmic ultra-high-energy tau-neutrinos (E>1 EeV), through the interaction of these neutrinos in rock and the decay of the tau-lepton in the atmosphere. This decay creates an air shower, whose properties can be inferred from the radio signal it creates. The huge area of GRAND makes it the most sensitive instrument proposed to date, ensured to measure neutrinos in all reasonable models of cosmic ray production and propagation. At the same time, GRAND will be a very versatile observatory with enormous exposure to ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and photons. This talk covers the scientific motivation, as well as the staged approach required in the R\&D stages to get to a final design that will make the construction, deployment and operation of this vast detector affordable.