IceCube Upgrade Camera-based calibration

A key objective of the IceCube Neutrino Telescope Upgrade is to improve our understanding of the detector medium, including the refrozen drill water. Despite tremendous efforts by the collaboration, which have resulted in highly precise knowledge of the optical properties of the Antarctic ice, however uncertainties in these properties remain the dominant source of systematic error for a large fraction of analyses. Among the new calibration tools to be deployed with the IceCube Upgrade is a camera-based system comprising over 2,000 cameras and 2,500 LED light sources distributed throughout the detector volume. This system will measure both local and global optical properties of the ice, helping to reduce systematic uncertainties and enhance neutrino event resolution. This presentation reviews the system design, hardware characteristics, and results from acceptance tests conducted to validate performance prior to deployment. Initial images and results from the deployment during the austral summer season of 2025–2026 will also be shared and discussed.