A Comprehensive Approach to Tau-Lepton Production by High-Energy Tau Neutrinos Propagating Through Earth

Abstract

There has been a recent surge in interest in the detection of $τ$ lepton-induced air showers from detectors at altitude. When a $τ$ neutrino ($ν_τ$) enters the Earth it produces $τ$ leptons as a result of nuclear charged current interactions. In some cases, this process results in a $τ$ lepton exiting the surface of the Earth, which can subsequently decay in the atmosphere and produce an extensive air shower. These upward-going air showers can be detected via fluorescence, optical Cherenkov, or geomagnetic radio emission. Several experiments have been proposed to detect these signals. We present a comprehensive simulation of the production of $τ$ leptons by $ν_τ$'s propagating through Earth to aid the design of future experiments. These simulations for $ν_τ$'s and leptons in the energy range from $10^{15}$ eV to $10^{21}$ eV treat the full range of incidence angles from Earth-skimming to diametrically-traversing. Propagation of $ν_τ$'s and leptons include the effects of rock and an ocean or ice layer of various thicknesses. The interaction models include $ν_τ$ regeneration and account for uncertainties in the Standard Model neutrino cross-section and in the photo-nuclear contribution to the $τ$ energy loss rate.