Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3340
Date of Award
6-2026
Degree Name
MS in Electrical Engineering
Department/Program
Electrical Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Dean Arakaki
Advisor Department
Electrical Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
The neutrino is a fundamental particle of matter emitted by high energy phenomena, such as supernovae and black holes. Detecting neutrinos can give scientists information regarding the frequency of high-energy cosmic events, as well as point them towards specific high-energy events. Ultra-high energy (UHE) neutrino interactions in Greenland ice result in electromagnetic pulses between 200MHz and 800MHz. The Radio Neutrino Observatory - Greenland (RNO-G) seeks to observe the resultant electromagnetic waves. The Alford Loop antenna is proposed to detect these emissions, because of its dipole-like radiation pattern, horizontal polarization, and adequate dimensions to fit in a 10" diameter ice borehole. Both a three-armed and four-armed Alford Loop are assessed for adequate S11 band (ideally greater than 80MHz of bandwidth centered between 200MHz and 800MHz, to compete with the currently proposed antenna design). A method for specifying an Alford Loop design frequency is presented. A three-armed, meandered feed Alford Loop was fabricated and characterized, achieving 60MHz of -10dB bandwidth in the desired range. Ultimately, this design is not recommended for RNO-G adoption, due to high azimuthal standard deviation (3.41dB), and unintentional frequency modulating behavior due to multiple S11 peaks.