Reconstruction of cascade-type neutrino events in KM3NeT/ARCA

KM3NeT is a future research infrastructure hosting the next-generation underwater neutrino observatory in the Mediterranean Sea. Within KM3NeT, the ARCA detector will be devoted to the observation of high-energy cosmic neutrinos both in diffuse and point source mode. The discovery of cosmic high ene...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Stransky, D., Heid, T., James, Clancy, Barrios-Martí, J., Fusco, L., Heijboer, A.
Format: Conference Paper
Published: 2015
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/72888
Description
Summary:KM3NeT is a future research infrastructure hosting the next-generation underwater neutrino observatory in the Mediterranean Sea. Within KM3NeT, the ARCA detector will be devoted to the observation of high-energy cosmic neutrinos both in diffuse and point source mode. The discovery of cosmic high energy neutrinos by the IceCube collaboration with a large fraction of shower-like events has led to the recognition of the particular importance of this channel at high(est) energies. While the neutrinos detected by IceCube are compatible with a diffuse distribution, good angular resolution is crucial for the identification of possible sources. Using Monte Carlo simulations, dedicated cascade reconstruction algorithms have been developed for KM3NeT/ARCA allowing for an efficient discrimination of showers from the main background of high energy atmospheric muon bundles and a high precision in the determination of the kinematic variables of the cascades. The optical properties of water and the new technology of KM3NeT with the multi-PMT digital optical module make it possible to reach an energy resolution of less than 10% and a median angular resolution of less than 2 degrees for high energy cascades taking place within the instrumented volume. The reconstruction methods and the results obtained are presented.