Overview
The Research Center for Cosmic Neutrinos (RCCN) was established in 1999 with the aim of conducting research
on neutrino and related topics. Members of this center are participating in the Super-Kamiokande experiment, and exploring the properties of neutrinos using data of atmospheric neutrinos and accelerator neutrinos, and search for neutrino emissions from high-energy celestial objects in the universe. We have provided the occasion to discuss theoretical ideas and experimental results on neutrino physics. Additionally, we are involved in the project of next-generation neutrino experiment, Hyper-Kamiokande, conducting research and development on the 50-cm diameter photomultiplier tube, and advancing preparations for the construction of the detector scheduled for 2026, with the ongoing goal of advancing neutrino research into the future.
The center also plays a role in the joint research program of ICRR. In addition to accepting research on neutrinos, as the facility utilization, in collaboration with the Computer Committee, the center manages a large-scale computer system used for joint research at this research institute by cosmic ray researchers nationwide. This computer system has a total of approximately 3,300 CPU cores, 9 petabytes of large capacity disk, and data transfer performance of 18 gigabytes per second. It is capable of analyzing large amounts of data obtained from cosmic ray observation experiments and generating simulation data that require high CPU capability. Since its update in the fiscal year 2020, it has been operated stably. Additionally, the center serves as the acceptance for joint research program by primary cosmic ray group, and operates the low-background experimental laboratory underground. Furthermore, it accepts joint research solely for computer usage and research meetings related to future plans, among other activities.
The center also supports outreach activities for the general public regarding cosmic ray research. Since 2009, ICRR has jointly held public lecture events twice a year in spring and summer with the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU). Specifically, for the spring event, the center collaborates with the public relations office to plan and implement it. In the fiscal year 2023, on April 22nd (Sat), a public lecture event titled “Astronomy and Medicine through Gamma-ray Observations” was held at the Kashiwa-no-ha Conference Center. The event featured Professor Masato Takita from our research institute and Associate Professor Shinichiro Takeda from Kavli IPMU as speakers. They discussed the exploration of PeVatron, a cosmic ray source believed to originate within our galaxy, and the application of gamma-ray observations in the field of medicine. Additionally, a cross-talk session between the two speakers was conducted to address questions from the audience. Approximately 150 people attended the event in person, and the lecture was also streamed on YouTube, attracting about 500 viewers with around 1000 views.
A photo of the ICRR-IPMU joint public lecture held on April 22, 2023.
