NuFront: Neutrinos at the Physics Frontier
Name of applicant
David Jason Koskinen
Institution
University of Copenhagen
Amount
DKK 4,498,737
Year
2019
Type of grant
Semper Ardens: Accelerate
What?
Particle physics is about understanding the most fundamental 'pieces' of our Universe, and how they fit together. Within that framework is the neutrino, which is one of the most numerous fundamental particles in the Universe and one of the least well measured. My goal is to use the existing IceCube neutrino detector at the South Pole–and future extensions–to make the precision oscillation measurements necessary to test for new fundamental interactions and the existence of new particle physics phenomena.
Why?
It is easy for new discoveries and knowledge to hide where measurements are imprecise. This project aims to make the most precise analysis of the already bizarre feature of neutrino oscillation, wherein a neutrino changes its quantum property of flavour as it travels. This feature is already outside the normal Standard Model of particle physics and is a natural doorway for exotic new physics. The project is additionally important now, because it includes critical preparation and optimization of the IceCube-Upgrade: a significant extension to the existing IceCube detector which will be deployed in 2022/23.
How?
The IceCube neutrino detector at the South Pole is a cubic kilometer of ice which is instrumented to detect neutrinos. Within IceCube data are neutrinos generated within the Earth's atmosphere and which have oscillated to a different flavour as they travel to the South Pole. To better understand the physics of neutrino oscillation, and any potential deviations due to new physics, I will develop new data analysis tools and machine learning algorithms that can use the existing IceCube data as well as prepare for the amazing data which will be available with the IceCube-Upgrade.