IceCube's Sensitivity Prospects to MeV-Scale Axion-Like Particles from Core-Collapse Supernovae

TL;DR

This paper develops a new simulation framework to evaluate IceCube's ability to detect MeV-scale axion-like particles from supernovae, incorporating detailed particle interaction modeling for improved sensitivity estimates.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive detector-level simulation that explicitly models ALP interactions with nuclei, enhancing sensitivity predictions for IceCube beyond previous methods.

Findings

Framework enables realistic sensitivity forecasts for ALP detection.

Handles final-state leptons producing Cherenkov light in IceCube.

Applicable to other MeV-scale dark sector particles.

Abstract

We present a novel framework to estimate the sensitivity and discovery potential of IceCube to axion-like particles (ALPs) produced in core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe), covering ALP masses from 1 MeV to several hundred MeV. A key feature of this work is the explicit handling of the final-state leptons produced in ALP interactions with $^{16}$O nuclei and protons, which can generate Cherenkov light detectable in IceCube. These processes are being fully integrated into a detector-level simulation chain, enabling realistic detector signal modeling beyond existing estimates. The framework enables sensitivity forecasts for both direct detection and constraints based on time delays relative to the neutrino burst, across a range of ALP emission models. This approach may also extend to other MeV-scale dark sector particles. Preliminary sensitivity estimates are in progress and will be presented.