IceCube Second Track Data Release IceTracks-DR2: Data from 2008-2022 for Neutrino Source Searches

TL;DR

IceCube's second data release provides an extended, calibrated, and comprehensive muon track dataset from 2008 to 2022, enabling sensitive searches for neutrino sources.

Contribution

This is the first public release of a 14-year, well-calibrated muon track dataset with response functions, improving over previous datasets for neutrino source searches.

Findings

Enhanced sensitivity in neutrino point-source searches.

Benchmark results demonstrate improved detection capabilities.

Comparison shows advancements over earlier datasets.

Abstract

We present IceCube's latest release of muon track data for neutrino point-source searches, extending the previously published 10-year dataset to cover 14 years of observations (April 6, 2008 - May 23, 2022). This release features an updated event selection and improved detector calibration for data recorded after June 1, 2010. The release also includes binned instrument response functions and effective areas, enabling the community to perform sensitive searches for steady and transient neutrino sources. We report on key science results obtained with this dataset using internal IceCube analysis tools and compare them to those derived from analyses based on the binned response functions included in this public release. To facilitate reproducible research, we provide benchmark results obtained using this data release and publicly available software. This release represents IceCube's most sensitive and comprehensive publicly available all-sky muon track dataset to date and should be preferred over previous releases.