Characterization of Pixel Response and LED Beam Profile in the IceCube Neutrino Observatory Upgrade*

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, located at the south pole, detects astrophysical particles via Cherenkov radiation produced as the particles pass through the ice. The upcoming IceCube Neutrino Observatory Upgrade will utilize over 2000 LED and camera systems which are used for calibration and to measure the properties of the ice. The camera's pixel response and the LED beam profile have not been fully tested and therefore the simulations are not as accurate as possible. The camera and LED were placed in a dark box 150 cm apart from each other. Image data was then taken with all surrounding lights turned off and the LED turned on. This was repeated with two types of photodiodes to determine the current produced by the photons hitting the detector. These current values and the camera data were then used to calculate the pixel response value. This new pixel response value more accurately describes the camera's characteristics and improves the simulation's quality. For the LED beam profile, the LED was placed on a rotating mount which was rotated 2 degrees at a time for a full 180 degrees. The resulting beam profile showed characteristics that differed from the manufacturer-provided datasheet including shoulders near the peak of the profiles. A more accurate profile will now be implemented into the camera simulation which allows for better reconstruction of optical ice properties.