arXiv subjects

V. M. Grieco

Publications and source records attributed to V. M. Grieco.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Enhancing Water Cherenkov Detector Arrays through multiPMT Modules

Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCDs) are pivotal in various scientific fields, including neutrino physics, gamma-ray astronomy, and cosmic-ray research. The detection sensitivity and precision of these detectors crucially rely on photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to capture Cherenkov radiation produced by charged particles moving faster than the speed of light in water. In recent years, employing multiPMT modules has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance large volume water and ice Cherenkov detector performance. In this work we explore the use of a multiPMT module in small WCD units, arranged in arrays as typically used to detect Extensive Air Showers (EAS). We outline a possible configuration and present the advantages it can offer for data analysis, as demonstrated through dedicated simulations. We investigate the potential of multiPMTs in capturing the features of the Cherenkov light distribution originated by single muons and discuss its possible application for muon tagging in WCD arrays.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

Enhancing Neutrino Reconstruction in Water-Cherenkov Air Shower Arrays Using Multi-Photosensors

In this article, the potential of water Cherenkov detectors equipped with multi-PMT modules for background-free upward-going neutrino detection and improved direction reconstruction is demonstrated. By analyzing signal time traces with transformer-based models, significant improvements in angular resolution are achieved compared to previous designs with larger PMTs. These detectors enable the reconstruction of neutrino directions with resolutions of approximately $10^\circ$ in azimuth and $7^\circ$ in zenith for high-signal events, corresponding to an overall opening angle of approximately $10^\circ$. This design reduces saturation effects and enhances directional sensitivity, particularly for high-energy neutrinos. The results highlight the potential of WCD arrays as complementary tools for neutrino astronomy, particularly in the context of multimessenger observations of transient astrophysical sources. The nearly continuous operation and wide field of view of these detectors further enhance their suitability for real-time monitoring and alert generation.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Science Prospects for the Southern Wide-field Gamma-ray Observatory: SWGO

Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy is now well established as a key observational approach to address critical topics at the frontiers of astroparticle physics and high-energy astrophysics. Whilst the field of TeV astronomy was once dominated by arrays of atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes, ground-level particle detection has now been demonstrated to be an equally viable and strongly complementary approach. Ground-level particle detection provides continuous monitoring of the overhead sky, critical for the mapping of extended structures and capturing transient phenomena. As demonstrated by HAWC and LHAASO, the technique provides the best available sensitivity above a few tens of TeV, and for the first time access to the PeV energy range. Despite the success of this approach, there is so far no major ground-level particle-based observatory with access to the Southern sky. HESS, located in Namibia, is the only major gamma-ray instrument in the Southern Hemisphere, and has shown the extraordinary richness of the inner galaxy in the TeV band, but is limited in terms of field of view and energy reach. SWGO is an international effort to construct the first wide-field instrument in the south with deep sensitivity from 100s of GeV into the PeV domain. The project is now close to the end of its development phase and planning for construction of the array in Chile has begun. Here we describe the baseline design, expected sensitivity and resolution, and describe in detail the main scientific topics that will be addressed by this new facility and its initial phase SWGO-A. We show that SWGO will have a transformational impact on a wide range of topics from cosmic-ray acceleration and transport to the nature of dark matter. SWGO represents a key piece of infrastructure for multi-messenger astronomy in the next decade, with strong scientific synergies with the nearby CTA Observatory.

astro-ph.HE↗