KM3NeT Detection Unit Line Fit reconstruction using positioning sensors data

TL;DR

This paper discusses the KM3NeT neutrino detectors' line fit reconstruction method using positioning sensors, ensuring precise DOM positioning for accurate neutrino direction reconstruction in deep-sea environments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel line fit model utilizing acoustic and orientation sensor data for accurate shape reconstruction of detection units in KM3NeT.

Findings

Achieved sub-10cm accuracy in DOM positioning

Demonstrated effective line shape reconstruction using sensor data

Validated the monitoring system with real data

Abstract

The KM3NeT collaboration is constructing two large neutrino detectors in the Mediterranean Sea: ARCA, located near Sicily and aiming at neutrino astronomy, and ORCA, located near Toulon and designed for neutrino oscillation studies. The two detectors, together, will have hundreds of Detection Units (DUs) with 18 Digital Optical Modules (DOMs) maintained vertical by buoyancy, forming a large 3D optical array for detecting the Cherenkov light produced after the neutrino interactions. To properly reconstruct the direction of the incoming neutrino, the position of the DOMs must be known precisely with an accuracy of less than 10 cm. For this purpose, there are acoustic and orientation sensors inside the DOMs. An Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) chip provides the components values of the Acceleration and Magnetic field in the DOM, from which it is possible to calculate Yaw, Pitch, and Roll for each floor of the line. A piezo sensor detects the signals from fixed acoustic emitters on the seafloor, so as to position it by trilateration. Data from these sensors are used as an input to reconstruct the shape of the entire line based on a DU Line Fit mechanical model. This proceeding presents an overview of the KM3NeT monitoring system, as well as the line fit model and a selection of results.