Performance studies for a next-generation optical sensor for IceCube-Gen2

• Published in: Proceedings of 37th International Cosmic Ray Conference — PoS(ICRC2021)
• Main Authors: Abbasi, R., Botner, Olga, Burgman, Alexander, Glaser, Christian, Hallgren, Allan, O'Sullivan, Erin, Pérez de los Heros, Carlos, Sharma, Ankur, Valtonen-Mattila, Nora, Zierke, S.
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: Uppsala universitet, Högenergifysik 2022
• Subjects: Subatomic Physics; Subatomär fysik; South Pole; South pole
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-518599; https://doi.org/10.22323/1.395.1041

We present performance studies of a segmented optical module for the IceCube-Gen2 detector. Based on the experience gained in sensor development for the IceCube Upgrade, the new sensor will consist of up to eighteen 4 inch PMTs housed in a transparent pressure vessel, providing homogeneous angular coverage. The use of custom molded optical 'gel pads' around the PMTs enhances the photon capture rate via total internal reflection at the gel-air interface. This contribution presents simulation studies of various sensor, PMT, and gel pad geometries aimed at optimizing the sensitivity of the optical module in the face of confined space and harsh environmental conditions at the South Pole. For complete list of authors see https://doi.org/10.22323/1.395.1041