Evolving Antennas for Ultra-High Energy Neutrino Detection

Discussion timeslot (ZOOM-Meeting): 14. July 2021 - 12:00
ZOOM-Meeting URL: https://desy.zoom.us/j/91999581729
ZOOM-Meeting ID: 91999581729
ZOOM-Meeting Passcode: ICRC2021
Corresponding Session: https://icrc2021-venue.desy.de/channel/34-Radio-Detection-of-Neutrinos-NU/100
Live-Stream URL: https://icrc2021-venue.desy.de/livestream/Discussion-05/6

Abstract:
'Evolutionary algorithms are a type of artificial intelligence that utilize principles of evolution to efficiently determine solutions to defined problems. These algorithms are particularly powerful at finding solutions that are too complex to solve with traditional techniques and at improving solutions found with simplified methods. The GENETIS collaboration is developing genetic algorithms (GAs) to design antennas that are more sensitive to ultra-high energy neutrino-induced radio pulses than current detectors. Improving antenna sensitivity is critical because UHE neutrinos are extremely rare and require massive detector volumes with stations dispersed over hundreds of km2. The GENETIS algorithm evolves antenna designs using simulated neutrino sensitivity as a measure of fitness by integrating with XFdtd, a finite-difference time-domain modeling program, and with simulations of neutrino experiments. The best antennas will then be deployed at the RNO-G experiment in Greenland for initial testing. The GA is predicted to create antennas that improve on the designs used in the existing ARA experiment by more than a factor of 2 in neutrino sensitivities. This research could improve antenna sensitivities in future experiments and thus accelerate the discovery of UHE neutrinos. This is the first time that antennas have been designed using GAs with a fitness score based on a physics outcome, which will motivate the continued use of GA-designed instrumentation in astrophysics and beyond. This proceeding will report on advancements to the algorithm, steps taken to improve the GA performance, the latest results from our evolutions, and the manufacturing roadmap.'

Authors: Julie Rolla | For the GENETIS Collaboration
Collaboration: GENETIS

Indico-ID: 1309
Proceeding URL: https://pos.sissa.it/395/1103