Combining IceCube Muon Tracks and Cascades to measure the Galactic Diffuse Neutrino Flux

TL;DR

This paper discusses a new combined analysis method using IceCube's muon track and cascade data to improve measurement of the Galactic diffuse neutrino flux, aiding understanding of cosmic ray distribution.

Contribution

It introduces a novel combined analysis approach that leverages both event topologies for enhanced sensitivity in neutrino flux measurement.

Findings

Combined analysis improves detection sensitivity.

Enhanced discrimination between Galactic and extragalactic neutrino sources.

Method demonstrates potential for more accurate cosmic ray distribution mapping.

Abstract

The diffuse Galactic neutrino flux is produced by cosmic rays interacting with the interstellar medium. The measurement of this flux can help to understand the distribution of cosmic rays in the Galaxy. The first observation of this neutrino flux was published in 2023 by the IceCube Collaboration. Here, plans for a new analysis combining different event topologies are presented. IceCube measures events in two main topologies. Tracks, originating in charged current $\nu_\mu$ interactions, provide a better angular resolution. In contrast, cascades, from most other possible interactions, provide a better energy resolution and are able to observe the Southern sky (and therefore the Galactic Center) despite the huge background of atmospheric muons. Combining both event topologies in one analysis exploits all these advantages. Sensitivities and model discrimination power of a combined measurement using a forward folding binned likelihood fit are discussed here.