How big would a neutrino telescope have to be?

In summary, the conversation discusses the IceCube neutrino detector array in Antarctica and its ability to detect neutrinos from outside the solar system. The resolution of the array is discussed, as well as the potential for a larger detector array to serve as a telescope to observe the Cosmic Neutrino Background from the big bang. The energy and spatial resolution of neutrino detection is also mentioned, with the suggestion that pulsar timing arrays may be a better option for detecting gravitational waves from inflation.
  • #1
CosmicVoyager
164
0
Greetings,

The IceCube neutrino detector array in the antartic is a cubic kilometer and has deceted about 28 neutrinos from outside the solar system. So the resolution is almost nothing.

I am wondering how large a detector array would have to be to serve as a telescope to observe what I am calling the Cosmic Neutrino Background from the big bang so we could see farther back than we can observing the Cosmic Microwave Background.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
The neutrino spectrum is difficult to convert into an equivalent optical resolution. It's probably more a case of time than aperture. Neutrino's are more difficult to collect than photons.
 
  • #3
CosmicVoyager said:
Greetings,

The IceCube neutrino detector array in the antartic is a cubic kilometer and has deceted about 28 neutrinos from outside the solar system. So the resolution is almost nothing.

I am wondering how large a detector array would have to be to serve as a telescope to observe what I am calling the Cosmic Neutrino Background from the big bang so we could see farther back than we can observing the Cosmic Microwave Background.

Thanks

I don't understand this. What "resolution" are you referring to?

The energy resolution depends on the spectral resolution of the detectors. The spatial resolution depends on how well one can reconstruct the path of the neutrino based on the Cherenkov light. The more and smaller the detectors you can surround the ice, the higher the spatial resolution you can detect. The size of the ice isn't the issue, the same way the size of the water tank used in many of these detection isn't an issue as far as resolution is concerned.

The size, however, will increase the detection probability. Maybe you are confusing detection sensitivity with resolution.

Zz.
 
  • #4
Neutrino cross-sections are extremely energy dependent. IceCube succeeds because it looks for high-energy neutrinos, TeV or greater. The cosmic neutrino background is expected to be about 2 Kelvins, in the micro-eV range.
 
  • #5
If you want unbeatable look-back times you got to go for pulsar timing arrays, they should be able to directly detect gravitational waves from around inflation.
 

1. How do neutrino telescopes work?

Neutrino telescopes detect high-energy neutrinos, which are subatomic particles that can pass through matter easily. They work by using large volumes of water or ice, which act as the detection medium, and are equipped with sensors that can detect the faint flashes of light produced when a neutrino interacts with the medium.

2. What is the purpose of a neutrino telescope?

The main purpose of a neutrino telescope is to study the sources of high-energy neutrinos in the universe, such as supernovae, active galactic nuclei, and gamma ray bursts. By studying these sources, we can gain a better understanding of the fundamental properties of neutrinos and their role in the universe.

3. How large does a neutrino telescope need to be?

The size of a neutrino telescope depends on its location and the energy range it aims to detect. For example, a telescope located in deep ocean water would need to have a larger volume than one located in ice, due to the higher density of water. In general, the larger the telescope, the more high-energy neutrinos it can detect.

4. Can neutrino telescopes detect other particles?

While the primary purpose of neutrino telescopes is to detect high-energy neutrinos, they can also indirectly detect other particles, such as cosmic rays and gamma rays. These particles can produce secondary particles, including neutrinos, when they interact with the Earth's atmosphere or other cosmic objects.

5. What are the challenges of building a neutrino telescope?

One of the main challenges of building a neutrino telescope is the massive size required to detect these elusive particles. The detection medium needs to be large enough to capture a significant number of neutrino interactions. Additionally, the sensors used in the telescope need to be highly sensitive to detect the faint signals produced by neutrinos. The construction and maintenance of such a large and complex instrument also pose logistical and technical challenges.

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