Calibration of SKALA v2 Antennas for IceCube-Gen2
Date
2023
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The SKALA-v2 is a radio antenna optimized for the 50-350 MHz band that will be used in the IceCube-Gen2 Surface Array, an upgrade to the existing IceCube Observatory. The planned IceCube-Gen2 Surface Array will expand IceCube’s ability to detect and reconstruct cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are immensely energetic nuclei accelerated in space. At the highest energies, they have to be detected indirectly, meaning that cosmic ray detectors on Earth have to be sensitive to secondary particles produced in cosmic ray air showers. Radio emission is one process through which these secondary particles can be detected. ☐ The IceCube-Gen2 Surface Array will introduce stations with radio antennas and scintillation panels, increasing the energy range of existing surface detectors and measuring the cosmic ray energy spectrum at higher energies. The radio antennas will also increase the detector’s sensitivity to mass-sensitive observables such as the depth of the shower maximum. ☐ Characterizing SKALA v2 was carried out through initial laboratory tests con- ducted at the University of Delaware and measurements of the antenna pattern when using an anechoic chamber. The measurements taken in the anechoic chamber were then compared to simulations from the manufacturer. Additionally, the Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) in the antennas were characterized. The results of the LNA cali- bration revealed it is necessary to calibrate the LNAs while attached to the antenna (because the LNAs are impedance matched to the antennas). ☐ Plans for a prototype station at the University of Delaware are also discussed, as well as background radio spectra from the roof of Sharp Laboratory.
Description
Keywords
Cosmic rays, High energy physics, Radio antennas, Low Noise Amplifiers, LNA calibration