The sensitivity of the next generation of lunar Cherenkov observations to UHE neutrinos and cosmic rays

Abstract

We present simulation results for the detection of ultra-high energy (UHE) cosmic ray (CR) and neutrino interactions in the Moon by radio-telescopes. We simulate the expected radio signal at Earth from such interactions, expanding on previous work to include interactions in the sub-regolith layer for single dish and multiple telescope systems. For previous experiments at Parkes, Goldstone, and Kalyazin we recalculate the sensitivity to an isotropic flux of UHE neutrinos. Our predicted sensitivity for future experiments using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) indicate these instruments will be able to detect the more optimistic UHE neutrino flux predictions, while the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will also be sensitive to all bar one prediction of a diffuse `cosmogenic', or `GZK', neutrino flux. Current uncertainties concerning the structure and roughness of the lunar surface prevents an accurate calculation of the sensitivity of the lunar Cherenkov technique for UHE cosmic ray astronomy at high frequencies. However, below 200 MHz we find that the proposed SKA low-frequency aperture array should be able to detect events above 56 EeV at a rate about 30 times that of the current Pierre Auger Observatory. This would allow directional analysis of UHE cosmic rays, and investigation of correlations with putative cosmic ray source populations, to be conducted with very high statistics.

arXiv comment29 pages, 9 figures

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• LUNASKA experiments using the Australia Telescope Compact Array to search for ultra-high energy neutrinos and develop technology for the lunar Cherenkov technique
• Prospects for the direct detection of the cosmic neutrino background
• UHE neutrino searches using a Lunar target: First Results from the RESUN search
• Extremely High Energy Neutrinos from Cosmic Strings
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• Cosmic Strings as Emitters of Extremely High Energy Neutrinos
• The sensitivity of past and near-future lunar radio experiments to ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos
• A lunar radio experiment with the Parkes radio telescope for the LUNASKA project
• Analytic Aperture Calculation and Scaling Laws for Radio Detection of Lunar-Target UHE Neutrinos
• The Directional Dependence of Apertures, Limits and Sensitivity of the Lunar Cherenkov Technique to a UHE Neutrino Flux
• Radiowave Detection of Ultra-High Energy Neutrinos and Cosmic Rays
• A limit on the ultra-high-energy neutrino flux from lunar observations with the Parkes radio telescope
• Overview of lunar detection of ultra-high energy particles and new plans for the SKA
• Minimal prospects for radio detection of extensive air showers in the atmosphere of Jupiter
• Ultra High Energy Neutrinos: Absorption, Thermal Effects and Signatures
• Status Report and Future Prospects on LUNASKA Lunar Observations with ATCA
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• Detection of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays and Neutrinos with Lunar Orbital Radio Telescope
• The Directional Dependence of the Lunar Cherenkov Technique for UHE Neutrino Detection