Congratulatory message to Professor Francis Halzen and the IceCube Collaboration on the Nobel Prize in Physics

2026年10月07日
  • Hamamatsu Photonics K. K.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Francis Halzen on his award of the Nobel Prize in Physics.

This prestigious recognition reflects the outstanding achievements of his long-standing research activities and their profound impact on the advancement of science. We express our deepest respect for this remarkable accomplishment.

 

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. developed a dedicated photomultiplier tube, an extremely high-sensitivity optical sensor, for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica, whose construction began in 2005, and supplied more than 5,000 units. Since observations commenced in 2011, IceCube has successfully detected numerous high-energy neutrinos, making significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.

We are also honored that our photomultiplier tubes have been selected for the IceCube Upgrade project, and that they are being considered for the next-generation IceCube-Gen2 initiative.

 

Guided by our philosophy of contributing to the advancement of science and technology through the pursuit of unknown and unexplored frontiers of light, we take great pride in having been able to support this groundbreaking scientific endeavor. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Professor Halzen and all members of the IceCube Collaboration for their dedication and achievements.

 

We remain committed to contributing to scientific progress and the betterment of humanity through the continued development and provision of advanced photonic technologies.

 

Reference: Exploring Neutrinos | Hamamatsu Photonics

In addition to IceCube, Hamamatsu Photonics' photomultiplier tubes are used in neutrino observatories such as Kamiokande, Super-Kamiokande, and the currently under-construction Hyper-Kamiokande, all of which play important roles in advancing neutrino science.