RICE Limits on the Diffuse Ultra-High Energy Neutrino Flux

We present new limits on ultra-high energy neutrino fluxes above 100 PeV based on data collected by the Radio Ice Cherenkov Experiment (RICE) at the South Pole from 1999-2005. We discuss estimation of backgrounds, calibration and data analysis algorithms (both on-line and off-line), procedures used for the dedicated neutrino search, and refinements in our Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, including recent in situ measurements of the complex ice dielectric constant. An enlarged data set and a more detailed study of hadronic showers results in a sensitivity improvement of more than one order of magnitude compared to our previously published results. Examination of the full RICE data set yields zero acceptable neutrino candidates, resulting in 95% confidence-level model dependent limits on the flux (E_\nu)^2(d\phi/dE_\nu)<10^{-6} GeV/(cm^2s~sr}) in the energy range 10^{17}< E_\nu< 10^{20} eV. The new RICE results rule out the most intense flux model projections at 95% confidence level.Comment: Submitted to Astropart. Phy

Relativistic theory of inverse beta-decay of polarized neutron in strong magnetic field

The relativistic theory of the inverse beta-decay of polarized neutron, $\nu _{e} + n \to p + e ^{-}$, in strong magnetic field is developed. For the proton wave function we use the exact solution of the Dirac equation in the magnetic filed that enables us to account exactly for effects of the proton momentum quantization in the magnetic field and also for the proton recoil motion. The effect of nucleons anomalous magnetic moments in strong magnetic fields is also discussed. We examine the cross section for different energies and directions of propagation of the initial neutrino accounting for neutrons polarization. It is shown that in the super-strong magnetic field the totally polarized neutron matter is transparent for neutrinos propagating antiparallel to the direction of polarization. The developed relativistic approach can be used for calculations of cross sections of the other URCA processes in strong magnetic fields.Comment: 41 pages in LaTex including 11 figures in PostScript, discussion on nucleons AMM interaction with magnetic field is adde

Observation of soft X-ray Cherenkov radiation in Al

The soft X-ray radiation generated by 5.7 MeV electrons from both an Al foil and a Mylar film in forward direction was experimentally studied. A narrow specific directivity, an ultra-narrow spectral bandwidth and a good consistency between the experiment and theory prove that the Cherenkov radiation (CR) with photon energy near the L-edge of absorption in Al was observed. The results demonstrate that the CR spectral-angular properties and the absolute photon yield can be described well enough using Pafomov's theoretical model and Henke's refractive index database, which is essential for all practical applications

Self-amplified Cherenkov radiation from a relativistic electron in a waveguide partially filled with a laminated material

The radiation from a relativistic electron uniformly moving along the axis of cylindrical waveguide filled with laminated material of finite length is investigated. Expressions for the spectral distribution of radiation passing throw the transverse section of waveguide at large distances from the laminated material are derived with no limitations on the amplitude and variation profile of the layered medium permittivity and permeability. Numerical results for layered material consisting of dielectric plates alternated with vacuum gaps are given. It is shown that at a special choice of problem parameters, Cherenkov radiation generated by the relativistic electron inside the plates is self-amplified. The visual explanation of this effect is given and a possible application is discussed.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures,1 table, the paper is accepted for publication in the Journal of Physics: Conference Serie

Research and development to complete construction of a setup for determination of the longitudinal profile and duration of ultrashort bunches. Final report

Here are presented the results of the authors investigations on the construction of a setup for determination of the longitudinal charge distribution function and duration of ultrashort electron bunches via the measurement of the time-profile of the bunch-generated optical transition radiation (OTR) burst. In the Theoretical Part of the Final Report are obtained conditions that determine the adequacy between the time-profile of OTR flash and bunch longitudinal charge distribution function with account of finiteness of the bunch cross-section and bandwidth of the receiver. The competing processes (bremsstrahlung, luminescence) as well as the boundary roughness effect are considered. The Experimental Part presents the justification for the choice of the target - an OTR-emitter, a description of the measurement scheme, and the main characteristics of the units the setup consists of. An account is given of the OTR simulator and of the setup calibration method. Demands are formulated both to the setup as a whole and to its units. Experimental results are given that confirm correctness of the chosen method. In the Appendix the authors consider alternative methods of solution of the problem posed