Published in Reports on Progress in Physics, Volume 69,
Issue 8, pp. 2259-2321 (2006).
astro-ph/0605208
For a PDF version of the article, click
here.
GAMMA-RAY BURSTS
P. Mészáros
Dept. of
Astronomy & Astrophysics and
Dept. of Physics,
Pennsylvania State
University,
525 Davey Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Abstract: Gamma-ray bursts are the most luminous explosions in the
Universe, and their origin and mechanism are the focus of intense
research and debate.
More than three decades after their discovery, and after pioneering
breakthroughs from space and ground experiments, their study is entering
a new phase with the recently launched Swift satellite. The interplay
between these observations and theoretical models of the prompt gamma ray
burst and its afterglow is reviewed.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
- OBSERVATIONAL PROGRESS UP TO 2005
- Progenitor candidates
- Light curve breaks and jets
- Optical flashes
- Association with supernovae
- X-ray flashes
- Empirical correlations and distance
estimators
- RECENT RESULTS FROM SWIFT AND FOLLOW-UP
OBSERVATIONS
- THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
- The Relativistic Fireball Model
- Reference frames and timescales in relativistic
flows
- Relativistic dynamics
- Optical Depth and Photosphere
- Thermal vs. Dissipative Fireballs and Shocks
- Duration, reverse shocks, thin and thick
shells
- Spectrum of the Prompt GRB Emission
- Alternative Prompt Emission Models
- AFTERGLOW RADIATION MODELS
- The standard model
- Prompt Flashes and Reverse Shocks
- Dependence on external density, injection
variability and anisotropy
- Equal arrival time surface and limb
brightening effect
- Jets
- CURRENT THEORETICAL ISSUES IN AFTERGLOW MODELS
- Early steep decay
- Shallow decay
- X-ray flares
- Late steep decay and jet breaks
- Prompt optical flashes and high redshift
afterglows
- SHORT GRB IN THE SWIFT ERA
- Short GRB observations
- Short GRB prompt and afterglow emission
- Short burst hosts and progenitors
- Short burst redshifts and progenitor
lifetimes
- LONG GRB PROGENITORS IN LIGHT OF SWIFT
- Long GRB hosts and progenitors
- Supernova connection
- Jet dynamics, cocoons and progenitors
- VERY HIGH ENERGY PHOTONS AND NON-ELECTROMAGNETIC
EMISSION
- UHE photons from GRB
- Cosmic rays from GRB
- UHE neutrinos contemporary with gamma-rays
- Precursor neutrinos
- Gravitational waves
- REFERENCES
