Burnaby-based researchers are anticipating out-of-this-world surprises when their state-of-the-art neutrino telescope becomes operational thanks to a $15-million provincial grant.
Simon Fraser University (SFU) professor Matthias Danninger, who is co-leading the project with Carsten Krauss, an associate professor at the University of Alberta, says the telescope will help researchers gain understanding of high-energy phenomena.
“Our telescope will open a new window to high-energy phenomena that are not yet understood — such as black holes,” said in a news release today, Sept. 10.
“We expect to see the unexpected.”
The release says the telescope will be deployed hundreds of kilometres off the coast of Vancouver Island and at a depth of 3,000 metres in the ocean.
The $15-million provided by the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund will allow the installation of the first phase of the experiment.
Neutrino telescopes are optical sensors that are typically deployed in water or ice to detect light that is emitted by the interactions of high-energy-neutrinos-sub particles that travel at near-light speeds.
“Neutrinos are messengers of energy in the universe because they do not get absorbed,” Danninger explained.
“We can learn about astronomical phenomena by observing them in neutrinos.”
SFU researchers and Danninger built multiple parts for the telescope, including precision calibration detectors and high power light emitters that shine strong lights hundreds of meters into the ocean to calibrate the optical properties of water, at their lab at the post-secondary institution.
“This experiment is very exciting for students, because it is new, it's up and coming, and we are developing new technology,” Danninger added.
“We are building an experiment, which is Canada-led and will be also on the ground here in BC. It's a fantastic training ground for undergraduates, for graduate students, and for postdocs.”
SFU's project was one of 25 research projects the province provided $52.3 million for in funding at five post-secondary schools including SFU, BCIT, UBC, UVic and UFV.
“These amazing researchers at B.C.’s post-secondary institutions are finding solutions to help British Columbians live healthier and happier lives,” Lisa Beare, B.C.'s minister of post-secondary education and future skills, said in a separate statement.
“This important research investment through the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund continues to support the expansion of critical research capabilities and discoveries at B.C. post-secondary institutions and showcases B.C.’s research excellence.”
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