Testing the Hadronuclear Origin of PeV Neutrinos Observed with IceCube
read the original abstract
We consider implications of the IceCube excess for hadronuclear (pp) scenarios of neutrino sources such as galaxy clusters/groups and star-forming galaxies. Since the observed neutrino flux is comparable to the diffuse gamma-ray background flux obtained by Fermi, we place new, strong upper limits on the source spectral index, {\Gamma}<2.1-2.2. In addition, the new IceCube data imply that these sources contribute at least 30%-40% of the diffuse gamma-ray background in the 100 GeV range and even ~100% for softer spectra. Our results, which are insensitive to details of the pp source models, are one of the first strong examples of the multimessenger approach combining the measured neutrino and gamma-ray fluxes. The pp origin of the IceCube excess can further be tested by constraining {\Gamma} with sub-PeV neutrino observations, by unveiling the sub-TeV diffuse gamma-ray background and by observing such pp sources with TeV gamma-ray detectors. We also discuss specific pp source models with a multi-PeV neutrino break/cutoff, which are consistent with the current IceCube data.
This paper has not been read by Pith yet.
Forward citations
Cited by 5 Pith papers
-
Little Red Dots as Hidden Neutrino Sources
Little Red Dots can contribute ~30% of the diffuse neutrino background at TeV-sub-PeV energies through photomeson production in black hole envelopes, with modified flavor ratios at higher energies.
-
Single-source-class interpretation of the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux
The diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux is interpreted as dominated by a single source class with dominant pγ production for target photon temperatures of 0.1-1 keV.
-
Potential Dark Matter Signals at Neutrino Telescopes
Combined IceCube and ANTARES data show a low-energy neutrino excess whose sky distribution is compared to expectations from dark matter annihilation or decay.
-
Particle Astrophysics with High and Ultrahigh Energy Neutrinos
Recent high and ultrahigh energy neutrino detections open a new observational window to the universe by revealing sources and processes inaccessible via photons.
-
IceCube Results and Perspective for Neutrinos from LHAASO Sources
Reviews IceCube neutrino results, models Galactic plane flux from cosmic ray interactions with the interstellar medium, and discusses prospects for identifying PeVatrons via LHAASO sources.
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.