Gertsenshtein–Zel’dovich effect: a plausible explanation for fast radio bursts?

Abstract

ABSTRACT We present a novel model that may provide an interpretation for a class of non-repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) – short ($\lt 1~\rm {s}$), bright ($0.1 - 1000~\rm {Jy}$) bursts of MHz–GHz frequency radio waves. The model has three ingredients – compact object, a progenitor with effective magnetic field strength around 1010 Gauss, and high-frequency (MHz–GHz) gravitational waves (GWs). At resonance, the energy conversion from GWs to electromagnetic waves occurs when GWs pass through the magnetosphere of such compact objects due to the Gertsenshtein–Zel’dovich effect. This conversion produces bursts of electromagnetic waves in the MHz–GHz range, leading to FRBs. Our model has three key features: (i) predict peak flux, (ii) can naturally explain the pulse width, and (iii) coherent nature of FRB. We thus conclude that the neutron star/magnetar could be the progenitor of FRBs. Further, our model offers a novel perspective on the indirection detection of GWs at high-frequency beyond detection capabilities. Thus, transient events like FRBs are a rich source for the current era of multi-messenger astronomy.