Graph Neural Networks and Application for Cosmic-Ray Analysis

Deep Learning has emerged as one of the most promising areas of computational research for pattern learning, inference drawing, and decision-making, with wide-ranging applications across various scientific disciplines. This has also made it possible for faster and more precise analysis in astroparticle physics, enabling new insights from massive volumes of input data. Graph Neural Networks have materialized as a salient implementation method among the numerous deep-learning architectures over the last few years because of the unique ability to represent complex input data from a wide range of problems in its most natural form. Described using nodes and edges, graphs allow us to efficiently represent relational data and learn hidden representations of input data to obtain better model accuracy. At IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a complex multi-component detector, traditional likelihood-based analysis on a per-event basis, to reconstruct cosmic-ray air shower parameters is time-consuming and computationally costly. Using advanced and flexible models based on Graph Neural Networks naturally emerges as a possible solution, reducing the time and computing cost for performing such analysis while boosting sensitivity. This paper will outline Graph Neural Networks and discuss a possible application of using such methods at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory.