Analysis of IceCube Data at UW-Madison 2010-2013

该奖项为威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校小组对南极冰立方中微子天文台收集的数据进行科学分析提供了持续的资金支持。冰立方将在一年内获得每年一平方公里的数据，这是自20世纪70年代以来中微子天文学一直渴望实现的目标。如果对其通量的典型估计是有效的，它们将达到观测宇宙射线与微波光子相互作用产生的宇宙中微子通量的灵敏度。如果伽马射线暴加速了观测到的河外宇宙射线，他们将探测到质子和光子在火球中共存时产生的中微子。该小组参与所有主要的科学分析；在这个项目中，他们强调，他们的目标不仅是增加统计数据和更好地了解探测器的系统，而且要集中精力改进分析方法，使更大更好的仪器成为可能。威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校的科学家们平均贡献了一半的时间来维护和操作探测器。毫无疑问，冰立方将进入一个修改和增强能力的阶段，这是由于操作探测器的经验和新的科学机会。该集团积极参与研发计划，利用目前的冰立方科学计划。对超高能中微子的无线电探测是目前的主要焦点。更广泛的影响：南极环境的神秘性和令人信服的科学是一个诱人的组合。冰立方科学的成果将通过成果和经验的广泛传播，在许多层面上加强科学和技术的理解。冰立方是一类独特的项目，激发了新一代美国科学家和工程师的创新能力。

This award provides continued funding for the UW-Madison group's scientific analysis of data collected with the South Pole IceCube neutrino observatory. IceCube will reach a total exposure of a km-squared-year of data within one year, a target neutrino astronomy has aspired to since the nineteen seventies. If typical estimates of their flux are valid, they will reach the sensitivity to observe the flux of cosmogenic neutrinos produced by the interactions of cosmic rays with microwave photons. If gamma ray bursts accelerate the observed extragalactic cosmic rays, they will detect the neutrinos produced when the protons and photons coexist in the fireball. The group participates in all major scientific analyses; in this project they emphasize that their goal is to not only increase statistics and better understand the systematics of the detector, but to focus on improvements of the analysis methods made possible by a larger and better instrument. UW-Madison scientists contribute on average half of their time to service tasks required to maintain and operate the detector. IceCube will undoubtedly enter a phase of modifications and enhancements of capabilities resulting from experience operating the detector and from new science opportunities. The group actively participates in the R&D program that capitalizes on the current IceCube scientific program. The radio detection of ultra high-energy neutrinos is the main focus at this time.Broader Impacts: The mystique of the South Pole environment and the compelling science are an alluring mix. The results of IceCube science will enhance scientific and technological understanding on many levels through broad dissemination of the results and experiences. IceCube is in a unique class of projects that inspire the innovative capacity of a new generation of American scientists and engineers.