Project Title

Collaborative Research: IceCube Upgrade: An IceCube extension for precision neutrino physics and astrophysics

Summary

Event Number:
A-334-M/S
NSF / OPP Award 2227092

Program Director:
Dr. Vladimir Papitashvili

ASC POC/Implementer:
Paul Sullivan / Sheryl Seagraves / Leah Street

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Albrecht Karle
karle@icecube.wisc.edu
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department of Physics
Madison, Wisconsin

Project Web Site:
https://icecube.wisc.edu

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station, South Pole Station
Research Locations: South Pole Station

Description

The IceCube Upgrade will deploy seven additional strings of optical sensors in the bottom center of the current IceCube Neutrino Observatory. The new strings will use multi-Photo Multiplier Tube (PMT) Digital Optical Modules (mDOMs) which provide better direction and more than double the photocathode area per module than traditional IceCube DOMs. The Enhanced Hot Water Drill (EHWD) used previously will be upgraded and optimized for the needs of the proposed one-season drill campaign. Originally this was a 5-year project; year one started in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. In FY 2020, the existing EHWD systems were tested, and the drill’s refurbishment has begun. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ice-work was significantly delayed. The Upgrade project is now re-baselined and field work started in FY 2024 (Field Season, FS1) with drilling scheduled in FY 2026 (FS4). The project will utilize an Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) project coordinator to facilitate cargo movement from McMurdo Station to South Pole Station via the South Pole Traverse (SPoT) and LC-130s as fits into the overall logistics schedule.

Field Season Overview

On-site South Pole Station fieldwork for the upcoming season includes: 1) Excavate, warm, and recommission the winterized drill camp components, the Independent Firn Drill, and the ARA drill; 2) Complete drill camp build out; 3) Drill 9 firn holes with the Independent Firn Drill; 4) Integrate subsystems at the drill camp into a full system; 5) Complete upgrades and repairs to Tower Operations Site infrastructure (TOS 1, TOS 2, Tower 1 & Tower 2) and complete repairs and upgrades to winches and reels; 6) Continue the upgrades and repairs to subsystems, including completion of installation kits for new drill control system motor drives, TOS/Tower setup, reels testing, and motor drive and control system commissioning; 7) Install new drill hose and heating system on the drill supply hose reel; 8) Tune and demonstrate load sharing between the supply hose reel and main drill cable reel; 9) Commission, troubleshoot, and complete full system wet testing of the hot water drill; 10) De-water the drill, winterize, stow cargo for winter, and setup DNF storage and hose heating systems for winter; 11) Install the Surface Junction Boxes (SJB), trench surface cables, run surface cables from SJB to ICL server room patch panel; 12) Assemble DOM handling facility; 13) Prep and set up sensor handling facility, including sleds, tent, and heated shack; 14) Test two strings of optical modules in the sensor handling facility; and 15) Store all on-site optical modules in allocated DNF space for winter. McMurdo Station (ASC support only, no project tasking planned): 1) Prepare cargo for transport via SPoT or LC-130 and 2) Provide housing and workspace for transiting personnel.

Deploying Team Members