Towards a more robust reconstruction method for IceCube's real-time program

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new, more robust and faster reconstruction method for IceCube's real-time neutrino detection system, significantly reducing systematic uncertainties and improving angular uncertainty estimates for better astrophysical source identification.

Contribution

A modified reconstruction algorithm that enhances speed, precision, and robustness against systematic uncertainties in IceCube's real-time neutrino detection.

Findings

Faster reconstruction method with improved accuracy.

Reduced influence of systematic uncertainties.

More reliable angular uncertainty estimates.

Abstract

Sources of astrophysical neutrinos can potentially be discovered through the detection of neutrinos in coincidence with electromagnetic counterparts. Real-time alerts generated by IceCube play an important role in this search, acting as triggers for follow-up observations with instruments sensitive to electromagnetic signals in various wavelengths. In previous studies, we investigated the treatment of the systematic uncertainties on the reconstruction method currently used in IceCube's real-time program, concluding that a new approach, more robust against systematic variations, is needed. Here we present the state-of-the-art of these analyses, and discuss a modification to an already-existing and reliable reconstruction method that results in an improved solution under many metrics. The proposed reconstruction method is faster, more precise, and significantly less influenced by systematic uncertainties, than the current one. This system provides a more robust estimate of angular uncertainties than the previous algorithm, making it a solid benchmark for real-time event analyses.