The Baikal-GVD telescope is a set of independent clusters. Each cluster functions as an independent high-energy neutrino detector, with individual control and trigger systems and data acquisition channels. This architecture enables seamless facility build-up by adding new clusters without reconfiguration.
Each cluster comprises 8 vertical strings equipped with optical modules (OMs) for Cherenkov radiation detection. A peripheral string of each cluster is located 60 m from the central one.
Each string carries 36 OMs vertically spaced 15 m from each other. They group 3 sections, with 12 OMs and one section master module (SMM) in each. The uppermost OM of a string is at a depth of 700 m, and the bottommost one is at a depth of 1240 m. This optimal configuration ensures a high efficiency in detecting both muons and cascades.
Strings are anchored to the lake bed. They are held by buoys vertically. The acoustic positioning system continuously monitors positions of all OMs.
First, signals from OMs are transmitted via coaxial cables to the SMM. Then, digitalized and timestamped, data are sent to the Cluster Centre which is connected via fibre-optic cables to the Shore Station. The same cables are utilized to remotely control and operate the facility.
All clusters are synchronized. This allows cross-cluster event correlation when reconstructing muon tracks and cascades.
