Ultra High Energy $ν_τ$ Detection Using Cosmic Ray Tau Neutrino Telescope Used in Fluorescence/Cerenkov Light Detection

Abstract

We have investigated the possibility of $ν_τ$ detection using Cosmic Ray Tau Neutrino Telescope (CRTNT) based on air shower fluorescence/Cerenkov light detector techniques. This approach requires an interaction of a $ν_τ$ with material such as a mountain or the earth's crust. $τ$ lepton produced in the charged current interaction must escape from the earth and then decay and initiate a shower in the air. The probability for the conversion from $ν_τ$ to air shower has been calculated for an energy range from 1 PeV to 10 EeV. An air shower simulation program has been developed using the simulation package Corsika. The trigger efficiency has been estimated for a CRTNT detector similar to the HiRes/Dice detector in the shadow of Mt. Wheeler in Nevada, USA. A rate of about 8 triggered events per year is expected for the AGN neutrino source model with an optimized configuration and duty cycle of the detector.

19 pages, 5 figures, submitted to J. Phys. G: