Central Engine Of Gamma-ray Bursts Research Articles

Viscous Evolution of Magnetized Clumps: A Source for X-Ray Flares in Gamma-Ray Bursts

Abstract X-ray flares may indicate the late-time activity of the central engines of gamma-ray bursts. Such long-term activity has been described through some models, one of which is the viscous evolution of the outer disk’s fragments proposed by Perna et al., and developed quantitatively by Dall’Osso et al. Here, we reconstruct the framework of Dall’Osso et al. by taking both small- and large-scale effects of magnetic field into account. To consider the magnetic barrier as a possible mechanism that might govern the accretion process of each magnetized clump, we construct a simple pattern in boundary conditions through which this mechanism might act. Regarding various model parameters, we probe for their influence and follow some key analogies between our model predictions and previous phenomenological estimates, for two different choices of boundary conditions (with and without a magnetic barrier). Our model is remarkably capable of matching the bolometric and X-ray light curves of flares, as well as reproducing their statistical properties, such as the ratios between rise and decay time, width parameter and peak time, and the power-law correlation between peak luminosity and peak time. Combining our results with the conclusions of previous studies, we are led to interpret a magnetic barrier as a less probable mechanism that might control the evolution of these clumps, especially those created later (or viscously evolved ones).

LOFAR early-time search for coherent radio emission from GRB 180706A

ABSTRACT The nature of the central engines of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and the composition of their relativistic jets are still under debate. If the jets are Poynting flux dominated rather than baryon dominated, a coherent radio flare from magnetic reconnection events might be expected with the prompt gamma-ray emission. There are two competing models for the central engines of GRBs; a black hole or a newly formed millisecond magnetar. If the central engine is a magnetar it is predicted to produce coherent radio emission as persistent or flaring activity. In this paper, we present the deepest limits to date for this emission following LOFAR rapid response observations of GRB 180706A. No emission is detected to a 3σ limit of 1.7 mJy beam−1 at 144 MHz in a 2-h LOFAR observation starting 4.5 min after the gamma-ray trigger. A forced source extraction at the position of GRB 180706A provides a marginally positive (1σ) peak flux density of 1.1 ± 0.9 mJy. The data were time sliced into different sets of snapshot durations to search for FRB like emission. No short duration emission was detected at the location of the GRB. We compare these results to theoretical models and discuss the implications of a non-detection.

Black Hole Hyperaccretion in Collapsars. I. MeV Neutrinos

Abstract As the plausible central engine of gamma-ray bursts, a black hole (BH) hyperaccretion disk should be in a state of neutrino-dominated accretion flow (NDAF) if the accretion rate is larger than the ignition rate of an NDAF. A rotating stellar-mass BH surrounded by a hyperaccretion disk might be born in the center of a massive core collapsar. In the initial hundreds of seconds of the accretion process, the mass supply rate of the massive progenitor is generally higher than the ignition accretion rate, but the jets are generally choked in the envelope. Thus, neutrinos can be emitted from the center of a core collapsar. In this paper, we study the effects of the masses and metallicities of progenitor stars on the time-integrated spectra of electron neutrinos from NDAFs. The peak energies of the calculated spectra are approximately 10–20 MeV. The mass of a collapsar has little influence on the neutrino spectrum, and a low metallicity is beneficial to the production of low-energy (≲1 MeV) neutrinos. We also investigate the differences in the electron neutrino spectra between NDAFs and proto-neutron stars. Combining with the electromagnetic counterparts and multimessenger astronomy, one may verify the possible remnants of the core collapse of massive stars with future neutrino detectors.

Jet structure in the afterglow phase for gamma-ray bursts with a precessing jet

The structured jet is involved to explain the afterglows and even the prompt emission of GRB 170817A. In this paper, we stress that for a precessing jet, the jet structure in the prompt emission phase and that in the afterglow phase may be different. The jet structure in the afterglow phase can be non-uniform even if a narrow-uniform jet is presented in the prompt emission phase. We estimate the jet structure in the afterglow phase under the situation that a narrow-uniform-precessing jet is launched from the central engine of gamma-ray burst. With different precession angles, it is found that the structured jet can be roughly described as follows: a narrow uniform core with power-law wings and sharp cut-off edges, a Gaussian profile, a ring shape, or other complex profile in energy per solid angle. Correspondingly, the afterglows for our obtained structured jets are also estimated. We find that the estimates of the intrinsic kinetic energy, the electron index, and the jet opening angle based on the afterglows formed in a precessing system may be incorrect. Our obtained structured jet is likely to be revealed by future observations for a fraction of gravitational wave detected merging compact binary systems (e.g., black hole-neutron star mergers).

Magnetar as Central Engine of Gamma-Ray Bursts: Central Engine–Jet Connection, Wind–Jet Energy Partition, and Origin of Some Ultra-long Bursts

Gamma-ray burst (GRB) central engines and jet production mechanisms are still open questions. Assuming that the shallow decay segments of canonical X-ray afterglow lightcurves of {\em Swift} GRBs are attributed to the magnetic dipole (MD) radiations of newly-born magnetars, we derive the parameters of the magnetars and explore their possible relations to jet and MD wind emission. We show that the magnetar initial spin period ($P_0$) are tightly correlated with the jet energy ($E_{\rm jet}$), which is almost proportional to the wind energy ($E_{\rm wind}$). Our least square fits yield $P_0\propto E^{-0.36\pm 0.03}_{\rm jet}$ and $E_{\rm wind}\propto E^{0.91\pm 0.07}_{\rm jet}$. These relations may imply that a magnetar with faster rotating speed can power a more energetic GRB, and energy partition between the jet and wind may be quasi-universal. Although the $P_0-E_{\rm jet}$ relation is driven by a few sub-energetic GRBs in our sample, our Monte Carlo simulation analysis shows that sample selection biases from instrumental flux limits and contaminations of the bright jet afterglows cannot make this correlation. Within this jet-wind paradigm, we propose that GRB 101225A-like ultra-long GRBs, whose prompt gamma-ray/X-ray lightcurves are featured as a long-lasting plateau with a sharp drop, may be the orphan MD wind emission being due to misalignment of their jet axis to the light of sight. Brief discussion on the orphan MD wind emission and its association with the gravitational wave radiation of newly-born magnetars is presented.

Black Hole Hyperaccretion and Gamma-ray Burststwo

Black hole hyperaccretion model is one of the potential candidates for the central engine of gamma-ray bursts. Combined with the complicated explosion phenomena including gamma-ray bursts, gravitational waves, and their electromagnetic counterparts, the results of a series of theoretical studies on this model are briefly reviewed in this paper. At the same time, as the research tools for the subsequent studies on gamma-ray bursts, some important conclusions and formulas are presented.

Polarization with a Three-dimensional Mixed Magnetic Field and Its Application to GRB 170817A

Abstract A large-scale ordered magnetic field plays a very important role in the formation and acceleration of a gamma-ray burst (GRB) jet. During the GRB prompt phase, some dissipation processes may occur and disturb the magnetic field, making the field become random to some extent. Therefore, a mixed magnetic field consisting of an ordered component and a random component is plausible for the early afterglow phase. Here we investigate the polarization evolution and light curve of an afterglow under such a three-dimensional mixed magnetic field. Three kinds of ordered component (i.e., aligned, toroidal, and radial) are discussed. We find that the three cases are distinguishable through jet polarization evolution. The polarization angle for a 3D mixed magnetic field with an aligned ordered component can evolve gradually but only changes abruptly by 90° in the toroidal and radial cases. Furthermore, during the reverse shock crossing time, the polarization degree (PD) can be non-zero for the toroidal case but roughly zero for the radial case. Since an aligned component in a jet corresponds to a magnetar central engine and a toroidal component corresponds to a black hole, GRB central engines are distinguishable through polarization observations even if the magnetic field is mixed in a jet. In addition, our polarization calculation can be applied to GRB 170817A associated with GW170817. Using the recently observed PD upper limit 12% of GRB 170817A at t = 244 days, the magnetic field strength ratio of the ordered to random components in this afterglow is constrained to be ≲0.9.

Accretion in a Dynamical Spacetime and the Spinning Up of the Black Hole in the Gamma-Ray Burst Central Engine

Abstract We compute the evolution of a quasi-spherical, slowly rotating accretion flow around a black hole, whose mass and spin evolve adequately to transfer of mass and energy through the horizon. Our model is relevant for a central engine driving a long gamma-ray burst (GRB) that originates from the collapse of a massive star. The computations of a GRB engine in a dynamically evolving spacetime metric are important specifically due to the transient nature of the event, in which a huge amount of mass is accreted and changes the fundamental black hole parameters—its mass and spin—during the process. We discuss the results in the context of the angular momentum magnitude of the collapsing star. We also study the possible formation and evolution of shocks in the envelope, which may temporarily affect accretion. Our results are important for the limitations on the mass and spin range of black holes detected independently by electromagnetic observations of GRBs and gravitational waves. We speculate on the possible constraints for the final masses and spins of these astrophysical black holes. It is shown that the most massive black holes are not formed in a powerful GRB explosion if the cores of their progenitors were only weakly rotating.

Constraining the Type of Central Engine of GRBs with Swift Data

Abstract The central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is poorly constrained. There exist two main candidates: a fast-rotating black hole and a rapidly spinning magnetar. Furthermore, X-ray plateaus are widely accepted to be the energy injection into the external shock. In this paper, we systematically analyze the Swift/XRT light curves of 101 GRBs having plateau phases and known redshifts (before 2017 May). Since a maximum energy budget (∼2 × 1052 erg) exists for magnetars but not for black holes, this provides a good clue to identifying the type of GRB central engine. We calculate the isotropic kinetic energy E K,iso and the isotropic X-ray energy release E X,iso for individual GRBs. We identify three categories based on how likely a black hole harbors a central engine: “Gold” (9 out of 101; both E X,iso and E K,iso exceed the energy budget), “Silver” (69 out of 101; E X,iso less than the limit but E K,iso greater than the limit), and “Bronze” (23 out of 101; the energies are not above the limit). We then derive and test the black hole parameters with the Blandford–Znajek mechanism, and find that the observations of the black hole candidate (“Gold” + “Silver”) samples are consistent with the expectations of the black hole model. Furthermore, we also test the magnetar candidate (“Bronze”) sample with the magnetar model, and find that the magnetar surface magnetic field (B p ) and initial spin period (P 0) fall into reasonable ranges. Our analysis indicates that if the magnetar wind is isotropic, a magnetar central engine is possible for 20% of the analyzed GRBs. For most GRBs, a black hole is most likely operating.

The collapsar model of gamma ray burst central engine

Gamma ray bursts (GRBs) are the most explosive and brightest known photon sources in the universe. The initial bursts of GRBs found so far typically have a spectral peak between [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]keV and 1[Formula: see text]MeV. Most of their gamma ray prompt emissions last for [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s or less. The jets ejected from ‘the central engine’ are thought to be responsible for these bursts. According to the currently accepted scenario, a black hole produced by the merger of compact objects (such as black holes and/or neutron stars) is responsible for shorter bursts while collapse of a massive star directly to a black hole produces longer bursts, although clear-cut distinction may not exist. In this paper, we consider the latter case, a collapsar model responsible for longer GRBs. They are more interesting in the sense that they are more energetic and hence their studies can be extended to first Population III GRBs, which may give some constraints on the understanding of the early universe. In this paper, we are interested mainly in the “central engine”, the region created by the collapse of a rotating massive star to a spinning black hole and its surrounding area created by the stellar remnant because the conditions of the jet propagation change once they are outside in the interstellar medium. We first follow the process of how a progenitor massive star collapses and forms a central disk-black hole system, how powerful jets are produced and ejected from that system, and how the jets propagate and penetrate the surrounding stellar medium. The continued journey of the jets outside the star and the mechanisms for GRB emissions are outside the scope of this short paper.

The X-Ray Light Curve in GRB 170714A: Evidence for a Quark Star?

Abstract Two plateaus and a following bump in the X-ray light curve of GRB 170714A have been detected by the Swift/X-ray Telescope, which could be very significant for the central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), implying that the origin of this burst might be different from those of other ultra-long GRBs. We propose that merging two neutron stars into a hyper-massive quark star (QS) and then collapsing into a black hole (BH), with a delay time around 104 s, could be responsible for these X-ray components. The hyper-massive QS is initially in a fluid state, being turbulent and differentially rotating, but would solidify and release its latent heat, injecting it into the GRB fireball (lasting about 103 s during the liquid–solid phase transition). A magnetic field as high as ∼1015 G can be created by dynamo action of the newborn liquid QS, and a magnetar-like central engine (after solidification) supplies significant energy for the second plateau. More energy could be released during a fall-back accretion after the post-merger QS collapses to a BH, and the X-ray bump forms. This post-merger QS model could be tested by future observations, with either advanced gravitational wave detectors (e.g., advanced LIGO and VIRGO) or X-ray/optical telescopes.

Special gamma-ray bursts and special radiation components from gamma-ray bursts

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) were first detected in 1960s. Since then, GRBs have been observed extensively in gamma-rays. The afterglows of several hundred GRBs were also detected, providing us with abundant clues for understanding the physics of GRBs. However, X-ray observations of GRBs at the prompt burst phase are still quite lacking. These very early X-ray observations should be very important for probing the activities of GRB central engines. The Einstein Probe, a unique satellite that works mainly in soft X-rays (0.5–4 keV) with a large field of view (1.1 sr), will open up a new window for us to observe the prompt X-ray emission of GRBs. In this article, we review the current status of the studies on some special kinds of GRBs such as those rich in X-rays and those baring special emission components. Especially, we investigate possible contributions of EP to the studies of X-ray flashes (XRFs), low-luminosity GRBs, ultra-long GRBs, and the precursors of GRBs. It is found that: (1) EP is expected to detect about 810 GRB-like events, among which 95% are soft XRFs and only 1% are typical GRBs; (2) EP could detect 0.2–8 low-luminosity GRBs each year (the exact detection rate is strongly dependent on the exact spectral distribution of low luminosity GRBs, which is still largely uncertain currently); (3) EP would detect at least 20–200 ultra-long GRBs each year; (4) EP may be able to detect a lot of GRB precursors (at least 80 events per year), which are still poorly understood. We believe that the EP satellite will lead to encouraging discovers and will deepen our understanding of GRBs in various aspects such as their classifications, their progenitors, the triggering mechanisms and the beaming features, etc. We also note that the EP satellite has great advantages on its wide field of view and good sensitivity, over other similar world-wide instruments. We suggested that the project should be carried out as soon as possible.

Polarized Emission from Gamma-Ray Burst Jets

I review how polarization signals have been discussed in the research field of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). I mainly discuss two subjects in which polarimetry enables us to study the nature of relativistic jets. (1) Jet breaks: Gamma-ray bursts are produced in ultra-relativistic jets. Due to the relativistic beaming effect, the emission can be modeled in a spherical model at early times. However, as the jet gradually slows down, we begin to see the edge of the jet together with polarized signals at some point. (2) Optical flash: later time afterglow is known to be insensitive to the properties of the original ejecta from the GRB central engine. However, a short-lived, reverse shock emission would enable us to study the nature of of GRB jets. I also briefly discuss the recent detection of optical circular polarization in GRB afterglow.

Comparison of Gravitational Waves from Central Engines of Gamma-Ray Bursts: Neutrino-dominated Accretion Flows, Blandford–Znajek Mechanisms, and Millisecond Magnetars

Abstract Neutrino-dominated accretion flow (NDAF) around a rotating stellar-mass black hole (BH) is one of the plausible candidates for the central engines of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Because the time-variant and anisotropic emission of neutrinos from NDAFs leads to GRB variability, NDAFs can be regarded as the sources of strong gravitational waves (GWs). We calculate the dependences of the GW strains on both the BH spin and the accretion rate. We demonstrate that, for typical GRBs with either a single pulse or multiple pulses, the GWs from NDAFs might be detected at a distance of ∼100 kpc/∼1 Mpc by the advanced LIGO/Einstein Telescope with a typical frequency of ∼ 10 – 100 Hz . Besides NDAFs, the other two competitive candidates for the GRB central engine are the Blandford–Znajek (BZ) mechanism and millisecond magnetars. We explore the GW signals from these two as well, and compare the corresponding results with NDAFs’. We find that for a certain GRB, the possible detected distance from NDAFs is about two orders of magnitude higher than that from the BZ mechanism, but at least two orders of magnitude lower than that from magnetars. The typical GW frequency for the BZ mechanism is the same as that of NDAFs, ∼ 10 – 100 Hz , while the typical frequency for magnetars is ∼2000 Hz. Therefore, the GWs released by the central engines of adjacent GRBs might be used to determine whether there is an NDAF, a BZ jet, or a magnetar in the GRB center.

Hyperaccreting Black Hole as Gamma-Ray Burst Central Engine. II. Temporal Evolution of the Central Engine Parameters during the Prompt and Afterglow Phases

Abstract A hyperaccreting stellar-mass black hole (BH) has been proposed as the candidate central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The rich observations of GRBs by Fermi and Swift make it possible to constrain the central engine model by comparing the model predictions against data. This paper is dedicated to studying the temporal evolution of the central engine parameters for both the prompt emission and afterglow phases. We consider two jet-launching mechanisms, i.e., ν ν ¯ annihilations and the Blandford–Znajek (BZ) process, and obtain analytical solutions to these two models. We then investigate the BH central engine parameters, such as the jet power, the dimensionless entropy η, and the central engine parameter μ 0 = η (1 + σ 0) (where σ 0 is the initial magnetization of the engine) at the base of the jet. The BH may be spun up by accretion or spun down by the BZ process, leaving imprints in the GRB light curves. Usually, a BZ jet is more powerful and is likely responsible for the late-time central engine activities. However, an initially non-spinning BH central engine may first launch a thermal “fireball” via neutrino annihilations, and then launch a Poynting-flux-dominated jet via the BZ process. Multiple flares, giant bumps, and plateaus in GRB afterglows can be produced as the result of late-time accretion onto the BH.

The Signature of the Blandford-Znajek Mechanism in GRB Light Curves

In 1977, Blandford and Znajek showed how the spin energy of a rotating black hole may be extracted electromagnetically through a magnetic field that threads the black hole horizon. A characteristic feature of this mechanism is that, under certain fairly general conditions, the energy loss rate decays exponentially. We looked precisely for such behavior in the X-ray light curves of Long and Ultra Long duration Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) observed with the XRT instrument on board the Swift satellite, and found that almost 30% of XRT light curves show an exponential decay before they reach the afterglow plateau. A similar behavior (Fast Rise Exponential Decay-FRED) was observed in γ -rays with the BATSE instrument aboard the CGRO satellite. We consider both of these findings as the signature of the Blandford-Znajek mechanism in action in the central engine of GRBs.

Evidence for Magnetar Formation in Broad-lined Type Ic Supernovae1998bw and 2002ap

Abstract Broad-lined type Ic supernovae (SNe Ic-BL) are peculiar stellar explosions that are distinct from ordinary SNe. Some SNe Ic-BL are associated with long-duration ( ) gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Black holes and magnetars are two types of compact objects that are hypothesized to be central engines of GRBs. In spite of decades of investigations, no direct evidence for the formation of black holes or magnetars has yet been found for GRBs. Here we report the finding that the early peak ( ) and late-time ( ) slow decay displayed in the light curves of SNe 1998bw (associated with GRB 980425) and 2002ap (not GRB-associated) can be attributed to magnetar spin-down with an initial rotation period , while the intermediate-time ( ) exponential decline is caused by the radioactive decay of 56Ni. The connection between the early peak and late-time slow decline in the light curves is unexpected in alternative models. We thus suggest that GRB 980425 and SN 2002ap were powered by magnetars.

Microphysics in the Gamma-Ray Burst Central Engine

Abstract We calculate the structure and evolution of a gamma-ray burst central engine where an accreting torus has formed around the newly born black hole. We study the general relativistic, MHD models and we self-consistently incorporate the nuclear equation of state. The latter accounts for the degeneracy of relativistic electrons, protons, and neutrons, and is used in the dynamical simulation, instead of a standard polytropic γ-law. The EOS provides the conditions for the nuclear pressure in the function of density and temperature, which evolve with time according to the conservative MHD scheme. We analyze the structure of the torus and outflowing winds, and compute the neutrino flux emitted through the nuclear reaction balance in the dense and hot matter. We also estimate the rate of transfer of the black-hole rotational energy to the bipolar jets. Finally, we elaborate on the nucleosynthesis of heavy elements in the accretion flow and the wind, through computations of the thermonuclear reaction network. We discuss the possible signatures of the radioactive element decay in the accretion flow. We suggest that further detailed modeling of the accretion flow in the GRB engine, together with its microphysics, may be a valuable tool to constrain the black-hole mass and spin. It can be complementary to the gravitational wave analysis if the waves are detected with an electromagnetic counterpart.

Black Hole Accretion in Gamma Ray Bursts

We study the structure and evolution of the hyperaccreting disks and outflows in the gamma ray bursts central engines. The torus around a stellar mass black hole is composed of free nucleons, Helium, electron-positron pairs, and is cooled by neutrino emission. Accretion of matter powers the relativistic jets, responsible for the gamma ray prompt emission. The significant number density of neutrons in the disk and outflowing material will cause subsequent formation of heavier nuclei. We study the process of nucleosynthesis and its possible observational consequences. We also apply our scenario to the recent observation of the gravitational wave signal, detected on 14 September 2015 by the two Advanced LIGO detectors, and related to an inspiral and merger of a binary black hole system. A gamma ray burst that could possibly be related with the GW150914 event was observed by the Fermi satellite. It had a duration of about 1 s and appeared about 0.4 s after the gravitational-wave signal. We propose that a collapsing massive star and a black hole in a close binary could lead to the event. The gamma ray burst was powered by a weak neutrino flux produced in the star remnant’s matter. Low spin and kick velocity of the merged black hole are reproduced in our simulations. Coincident gravitational-wave emission originates from the merger of the collapsed core and the companion black hole.

NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS OF NEUTRINO-DOMINATED ACCRETION FLOWS WITH A NON-ZERO TORQUE BOUNDARY CONDITION AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN GAMMA-RAY BURSTS

ABSTRACT A stellar-mass black hole (BH) surrounded by a neutrino-dominated accretion flow (NDAF) has been discussed in a number of works as the central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). It is widely believed that NDAF cannot liberate enough energy for bright GRBs. However, these works have been based on the assumption of a “no torque” boundary condition, which is invalid when the disk is magnetized. In this paper, we present both numerical and analytical solutions for NDAFs with non-zero boundary stresses and reexamine their properties. We find that an NDAF with such a boundary torque can be powerful enough to account for those bright short GRBs, energetic long GRBs, and ultra-long GRBs. The disk becomes viscously unstable, which makes it possible to interpret the variability of GRB prompt emission and the steep decay phase in the early X-ray afterglow. Finally, we study the gravitational waves radiated from a processing BH-NDAF. We find that the effects of the boundary torque on the strength of the gravitational waves can be ignored.