Speaker
Description
The Wavelength-shifting Optical Module (WOM) is a novel optical sensor developed to enhance the sensitivity of neutrino detectors to ultraviolet (UV) Cherenkov light. It employs wavelength-shifting and light-guiding technology to efficiently detect UV photons that are otherwise difficult to capture with conventional sensors. Each WOM consists of a quartz tube coated with a wavelength-shifting paint, and a photomultiplier tube (PMT) coupled to each end. UV photons absorbed in the coating are re-emitted at longer wavelengths, captured by total internal reflection inside the tube, and guided to the PMTs for detection.
As part of the IceCube Upgrade, nine WOMs were produced, tested, and deployed in the Antarctic ice during the 2025/26 season. The IceCube Upgrade provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the performance of WOMs under real detector conditions, contributing to the development of future optical sensor technologies. This poster will give an overview of the WOM for the IceCube Upgrade.