Orateur
Prof.
Antonio CAPONE
(Physics Department, University "Sapienza" and INFN, Roma)
Description
The NEMO collaboration has conducted in the recent years an intense R&D activity directed at the realization of an underwater km3 Cherenkov detector for the detection of high energy astrophysical neutrinos. The activities have addressed some key issues such as the search and characterization of an optimal deep-sea site for the detector installation, the definition of the detector architecture, the design of the detector components and the realization of prototypes. The recent completion of the Phase-1 project with the installation and connection at the LNS Underwater Test Site of a Junction Box and a prototype detector tower has proved the effectiveness of the technological solution proposed as well as a validation of the underwater connection procedure by means of a surface controlled Remotely Operated Vehicle. Preliminary results from the first five months of operation of the apparatus will be presented. The following step will be a Phase-2 project aiming at the realization of a deep-sea station at 3500m depth on the Capo Passero candidate site. The realization of the infrastructures needed for Phase-2 operation, including the submarine cable and shore station, is under way and will be completed in early 2008. This will be followed by the construction and installation of a full-size detector tower by the end of 2008.
Auteur principal
Prof.
Antonio CAPONE
(Physics Department, University "Sapienza" and INFN, Roma)
