Searching Scalar Resonances with Ultra-high Energy Neutrinos

Abstract

We study the prospects of detecting signals of a resonant scattering of high-energy cosmic neutrinos on electrons in the atmosphere. Such a process is possible through an s-channel exchange of a isotriplet scalar particle predicted by some particle physics theories. We estimate the event rates for a reference detector setup with plausible assumptions on the interaction strengths and energy resolutions. We find as the most promising process the resonance production of tau neutrinos whose signature would be a "quiet" (in contrast with a hadronic "bang") production of the tau lepton followed by a more noisy decay in downstream.