Detecting neutrinos in IceCube with Cherenkov light in the South Pole ice

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory detects GeV-to-PeV+ neutrinos via the Cherenkov light produced by secondary charged particles from neutrino interactions with South Pole ice. detector consists of over 5000 spherical Digital Optical Modules (DOM), each deployed a single downward-facing photomultiplier tube (PMT) and arrayed across 86 strings cubic-kilometer. has measured astrophysical flux, searched for their origins, constrained oscillation parameters cross sections. This is made possible an in-depth characterization glacial ice, which been refined time, novel approaches in reconstruction that utilize fast approximations yield expectations. After decade nearly continuous operation, next generation telescopes at are taking shape. Upgrade will add seven additional dense infill configuration. Multi-PMT OMs be attached to string, along improved calibration devices new sensor prototypes. Its denser OM string spacing extend sensitivity lower energies further constrain parameters. goals help guide design construction Gen2, increase effective volume order magnitude.