In Situ Calibration Systems for the Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment

Abstract

The Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment (P-ONE) is a cubic-kilometer scale neutrino telescope to be deployed in the northern Pacific Ocean off the West Coast of Canada. P-ONE will observe high-energy neutrinos using an array of kilometer tall mooring lines instrumented with P-ONE Optical Modules (P-OMs) which detect Cherenkov light from neutrino-induced secondary particles within the detector volume. To accurately understand the signals from incident neutrinos, the optical properties of seawater, detector geometry, and optical backgrounds must be precisely calibrated. However, the ocean is a dynamic environment where these parameters can vary over time. To achieve this goal, P-ONE includes a variety of calibration systems for both localized and ranged real time detector calibration measurements. These include integrated small, fast light flashers for optical inter-module measurements, acoustic receivers for spatial trilateration, and auxiliary sensors for tilt and orientation measurements. The acoustic positioning system is further complemented with autonomous and cabled acoustic pingers on the seafloor. In addition, some P-OMs in the detector are designed as hybrid calibration modules (P-CALs) which additionally contain long-range, isotropic nanosecond light flashers and cameras. This talk highlights the simulation, development, and field testing of all P-ONE calibration systems