Journal Entry
Dr. James Roth from the University of Deleware is a head scientist on the IceTop portion of IceCube.
Part of IceCube is the IceTop detector array which is made up of over 140 large plastic tanks that hold two DOMs (Digital Optical Modules). The DOMs must be frozen in very clear water to simulate the very, very clear water which is under the ice where IceCube is buried. To get the ice clear during freezing the scientists have to worry about particulates, gas molecules, and expansion during freezing that can create cracks in the ice and block the transmission of photons.
http://