In ice radio detection of GZK neutrinos

Abstract

Models for the source and propagation of cosmic rays are stressed by observations of cosmic rays with energies $E>10^{20}$ eV. A key discriminant between different models may be complementary observations of neutrinos with energies $E>10^{18}$ eV. Independent of the source of the cosmic rays, neutrinos are produced during propagation via the GZK mechanism. Event rates for GZK neutrinos are expected to be in the range of $0.01-0.1$ per km$^3$ yr, suggesting a detector mass in excess of 1 Eg. Detection of radio cherenkov emission from showers produced in Antarctic ice may be an economical way to instrument such a large mass. It is suggested that a 100 km$^2$ array of antennas centered on Icecube may allow confirmation of the radio technique and also increase the science achievable with Icecube by providing vertex information for events with throughgoing muons.