CAVE visualization of the IceCube neutrino detector

Abstract

Neutrinos are nearly massless, weakly interacting particles that come from a variety of sources including the sun, radioactive decay and cosmic rays. Neutrinos are unique cosmic messengers that provide new ways to explore the Universe as well as opportunities to better understand the basic building blocks of matter. IceCube, the largest operating neutrino detector in the world, is located in the ice sheet at the South Pole. This paper describes an interactive VR application for visualization of the IceCube's neutrino data within a C6 CAVE system. The dynamic display of data in a true scale recreation of the light sensor system allows events to be viewed from arbitrary locations both forward and backward in time. Initial feedback from user experiences within the system have been positive, showing promise for both further insight into analyzing data as well as opportunities for physics and neutrino education.