KM3NeT/ORCA detector coming on-line
First detection unit of the KM3NeT/ORCA neutrino detector online
Last week, an extensive sea operation took place to deploy several elements of the KM3NeT/ORCA detector at the KM3NeT-Fr site, about 40 km offshore from Toulon. Amongst them, the first detection unit of ORCA comprising 18 optical modules, spaced at 9 m along a 200 m high vertical neutrino detection line. The deployment and connection of the detection unit was performed with the aid of a surface vessel and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operated from a second boat.
The detection unit, wound around its spherical launching frame, was carefully lowered to the seafloor 2437 m below. Thanks to a state-of-the-art acoustic positioning system, the package was deployed within two metres of its designated position. Read more
