Spectral Evolutions in Gamma-Ray Burst Exponential Decays Observed with Suzaku WAM

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the spectral evolution of gamma-ray burst (GRB) prompt emissions observed with the Suzaku Wide-band All-sky Monitor (WAM). By making use of the WAM data archive, 6 bright GRBs exhibiting 7 well-separated fast-rise-exponential-decay (FRED) shaped light curves are presented, and the evaluated exponential decay time constants of the energy-resolved light curves from these FRED peak light curves are shown to indicate significant spectral evolution. The energy dependence of the time constants is well described with a power-law function, $\tau$($E$) $\propto$$E^\gamma$, where $\gamma$$\sim$$-$(0.34$ \pm $0.12) on average, although 5 FRED peaks show a consistent value of $\gamma$$=$$-$1$/$2, which is expected in synchrotron or inverse-Compton cooling models. In particular, 2 of the GRBs were located with accuracy sufficient to evaluate the time-resolved spectra with precise energy response matrices. Their behavior in spectral evolution suggests two different origins of emissions. In the case of GRB 081224, the derived 1-s time-resolved spectra are well described by a blackbody radiation model with a power-law component. The derived behavior of cooling is consistent with that expected from radiative cooling or expansion of the emission region. On the other hand, the other 1-s time-resolved spectra from GRB 100707A is well described by a Band GRB model as well as with the thermal model. Although relative poor statistics prevent us to conclude, the energy dependence in the decaying light curve is consistent with that expected in the former emission mechanism model.