Optimizing the potential of KM3NeT in detecting core-collapse supernovae

TL;DR

This paper presents a new detection strategy for the KM3NeT neutrino telescope that enhances its ability to identify core-collapse supernovae in our galaxy by exploiting optical module properties and reducing background noise.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel methodology utilizing optical module geometry and timing to improve supernova detection sensitivity in KM3NeT, including a systematic uncertainty analysis.

Findings

Increased detection capability by 46% for Galactic supernovae.

Enhanced discrimination between signal and background signatures.

Projected full Galactic sensitivity of KM3NeT upon completion.

Abstract

Core-collapse supernovae mark the end of life of massive stars. However, despite their importance in astrophysics, their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Neutrinos that emerge from the dense core of the star offer a promising way to study supernova dynamics. A strategy is presented to improve the potential of the KM3NeT neutrino telescope to detect core-collapse supernovae in our Galaxy or the Large Magellanic Cloud by further exploiting the properties of its optical modules equipped with multiple photomultipliers. A supernova burst is expected to produce a sudden hit rate increase in the KM3NeT detectors. New observables have been defined for individual optical modules that exploit the geometry and time distribution of the detected hits, enabling a better discrimination between signal and background signatures. In addition, a thorough investigation of the related systematic uncertainties is presented for the first time. When implemented, this new methodology allowed KM3NeT to probe 46% more Galactic core-collapse supernova candidates than with the previous trigger strategy, reaching the dense Galactic bulge. It is now expected that, once completed, KM3NeT will achieve full Galactic sensitivity to core-collapse supernovae.