A search for astrophysical point sources of neutrinos with Super-Kamiokande

Abstract

Using a data sample of 2037 upward-going muons gathered by the Super-Kamiokande detector during 1479.6 days of average effective live time between April 1, 1996, and December 8, 2000, a search for evidence of astrophysical point sources of neutrinos is attempted. The results of two different types of all-sky surveys are presented, as well as 90% upper level confidence limits on the maximum observationally consistent neutrino flux that might be coming from selected source candidates, and the data is also examined for the possibility of a time correlated excess of muons associated with the 1997 extended flaring episode of Markarian 501. No evidence for astrophysical point sources of neutrinos is found. In addition to explanations of the data analysis procedures and results, discussions of the detector design and the upward-going muon data reduction are also included.