Statistical studies of optically dark gamma-ray bursts in the Swift era

We compare the properties of optically dark GRBs, defined by the optical-to-X- ray spectral indexβox 〈 0.5, and normal ones discovered by the Swift satellite before the year 2008 in a statistical way, using data collected from the literature and online databases. Our sample includes 200 long bursts, 19 short bursts, and 10 with measured high redshifts （z ≥ 4）. The ratio of dark bursts is found to be -10% - 20%, and is similar among long bursts, short ones, and the high-z sub-sample. The result for long bursts is consistent with both the pre-Swift sample and studies by other authors on smaller Swift samples. The existence of dark short GRBs is pointed out for the first time. The X-ray derived hydrogen column densities of dark GRBs clearly prefer large values compared with those of normal bursts. This supports the dust extinction scenario as the main cause of dark GRBs. Other possibilities like very high redshifts and non-standard emission mechanisms are less likely, although not fully excluded.

The Early X-ray Afterglows of Optically Bright and Dark Gamma-Ray Bursts

A systematic study on the early X-ray afterglows of both optically bright and dark gamma-ray bursts （B-GRBs and D-GRBs） observed by Swift is presented. Our sample includes 25 GRBs of which 13 are B-GRBs and 12 are D-GRBs. Our results show that the distributions of the X-ray afterglow fluxes （Fx）, the gamma-ray fluxes （Sγ）, and the ratio （Rγ,x） are similar for the two kinds of GRBs, that any observed differences should be simply statistical fluctuation. These results indicate that the progenitors of the two kinds of GRBs are of the same population with comparable total energies of explosion. The suppression of optical emission in the D-GRBs should result from circumburst but not from their central engine.

Statistical Properties of the Highest Pulses in Gamma-Ray Bursts

We study the statistical properties of the highest pulses within individual gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). A wavelet package analysis technique and a developed pulse-finding algorithm have been applied to identify the highest pulses from burst profiles observed by BATSE on board CGRO from 1991 April 21 to 1999 January 26. The statistical light curves of the highest pulses in four energy channels have been derived by an aligning method, which illustrate the temporal evolution of the pulse emission. Our result that narrower pulses go with higher energies is consistent with previous findings. By normalizing both the pulse durations and counts to unity, 'characteristic' profiles of the highest pulses in the four channels are also derived. The four characteristic profiles are turned out to be almost the same, thus strongly support the previous conclusion that the temporal profiles in different energy channels are self-similar and the previous conjecture on GRB pulses, implying that the emission process is similar at different energies. The cosmological time dilation effect is examined by investigating the relationship between the pulse flux and pulse duration. An anti-correlation between the two was found, which agrees with the expectation of the cosmological time dilation effect. Also, the evolution of the pulse duration with the observational epoch is studied. The result shows that the pulse duration tends to be shorter in later epochs. This trend cannot be explained by the present theoretical models, and may represent a great challenge to current theories.

Sequences in the Hardness Ratio-Peak Energy Plane of Gamma-Ray Bursts

The narrowness of the distribution of the peak energy of the νFν spectrum of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and the unification of GRB populations are great puzzles yet to be solved. We investigate the two puzzles based on the global spectral behaviors of different GRB populations, the long GRBs, the short GRBs, and the X-ray flashes (XRFs), in the HR?Ep plane (HR the spectral hardness ratio) with BATSE and HETE-2 observations. It is found that the long GRBs and the XRFs observed by HETE-2 seem to follow the same sequence in the HR?Ep plane, with the XRFs at the low end of this sequence. We fit the sequence by a universal Band function, and find that this sequence is mainly defined by the low energy index α, and is insensitive to the high energy index, β. With fixed β = ?5, a best fit is given by α = ?1.00 with χ2min/dof = 2.2. The long and short GRBs observed by BATSE follow significantly different sequences in the HR?Ep plane, with most of the short GRBs having a larger hardness ratio than the long GRBs at a given Ep. For the long GRBs a best-fit yields α = ?0.30 and β = ?2.05. For the short GRBs, a best fit gives α = ?0.60 with χ2min = 1.1 (with β fixed at -2.0 because it is numerically unstable). The α value for the short GRBs is significantly greater than that for the long GRBs. These results indicate that the global spectral behaviors of the long GRB sample and the XRF sample are similar, while that of the short GRBs is different. The short GRBs seem to be a unique subclass of GRBs, and they are not the higher energy extension of the long GRBs.

Effects of Magnetic Fields on Neutrino-dominated Accretion Model for Gamma-ray Bursts

Many models of gamma-ray bursts suggest a common central engine; a black hole of several solar masses accreting matter from a disk at an accretion rate from 0.01 to 10 M⊙s^-1, the inner region of the disk is cooled by neutrino emission and large amounts of its binding energy are liberated, which could trigger the fireball. We improve the neutrino- dominated accreting flows by including the effects of magnetic fields. We find that more than half of the liberated energy can be extracted directly by the large-scale magnetic fields in the disk, and it turns out that the temperature of the disk is a bit lower than the neutrino-dominated accreting flows without magnetic field. Therefore, the outflows are magnetically-dominated rather than neutrino dominated. In our model, the neutrino mechanism can fuel some GRBs （not the brightest ones）, but cannot fuel X-ray flares. The magnetic processes （both BZ and electromagnetic luminosity from a disk） are viable mechanisms for most of GRBs and their following X-ray flares.

Extended Hubble Diagram on the Basis of Gamma Ray Bursts Including the High Redshift Range of z = 0.0331 - 8.1

It is generally accepted that the history of the expansion of the universe can be exactly described by the concordance model, which makes specific predictions about the shape of the Hubble diagram. The redshift-magnitude Hubble diagram in the redshift range z = 0.0104 - 1 seems to confirm this expectation, and it is believed that this conformity is also valid in the high redshift range. However, this belief is not undisputed. Recent work in the high redshift range of up to z = 8.1 has shown that the shape of the Hubble diagram deviates considerably from the predictions made by the Lambda cold dark matter model. These analyses, however, were based on mixed SN1a and gamma ray burst data, and some astronomers argue that this may have biased the results. In this paper, 109 cosmology-independent, calibrated gamma ray burst z/μdata points are used to calculate the Hubble diagram in the range z = 0.034 to z = 8.1. The outcome of this analysis confirms prior results: contrary to expectations, the shape of the Hubble diagram turns out to be exponential, and this is difficult to explain within the framework of the standard model. The cosmological implications of this unexpected result are discussed.

Modelling and Analysis of the Hubble Diagram of 280 Type SNIa Supernovae and Gamma Ray Bursts Redshifts with Analytical and Empirical Redshift/Magnitude Functions

Based on an analysis of 280 Type SNIa supernovae and gamma-ray bursts redshifts in the range of z = 0.0104 - 8.1 the Hubble diagram is shown to follow a strictly exponential slope predicting an exponentially expanding or static universe. At redshifts > 2 - 3 ΛCDM models show a poor agreement with the observed data. Based on the results presented in this paper, the Hubble diagram test does not necessarily support the idea of expansion according to the big-bang concordance model.

Not enough evidence to support the correlation between gamma-ray bursts and foreground galaxy clusters in the Swift Era

The correlation between distant Gamma-Ray Bursts （GRBs） and foreground galaxy clusters is re-examined by using the well localized （with an accuracy down to a few arcsec） Swift/XRT GRBs. The galaxy clusters are compiled from both the X-ray selected ROSAT brightest cluster sample （BCS） and the BCS extension by requiring δ ≥ 0° and b ≥ 20°. The Swift/XRT GRBs fulfilling the above selection criteria are cross-correlated with the clusters. Both Nearest-Neighbor analysis and the angular two-point cross-correlation function show that there is not enough evidence supporting the correlation between the GRBs and foreground clusters. We suggest that the non-correlation is probably related to the GRB number-flux relation slope.

Jet precession in neutrino-cooled disks for gamma-ray bursts:The effects of the mass and spin of a black hole

We present a model of jet precession driven by a neutrino-cooled disk around a spinning black hole to explain the quasi-periodic features observed in some gamma-ray burst light curves. The different orientations of the rotational axes between the outer part of a neutrino-cooled disk and a black hole result in precessions of the central black hole and the inner part of the disk. Hence, the jet arising from the neutrino annihilation above the inner disk is driven to precession. We find that the period of precession is positively correlated with the mass as well as the spin of a black hole.

Detecting radio afterglows of gamma-ray bursts with FAST

Using the generic hydrodynamic model of gamma-ray burst （GRB） after- glows, we calculate the radio afterglow light curves of low luminosity, high luminosity, failed and standard GRBs in different observational bands of FAST＇s energy window. The GRBs are assumed to be located at different distances from us. Our results rank the detectability of GRBs in descending order as high luminosity, standard, failed and low luminosity GRBs. We predict that almost all types of radio afterglows except those of low luminosity GRBs could be observed by a large radio telescope as long as the domains of time and frequency are appropriate. It is important to note that FAST can detect relatively weak radio afterglows at a higher frequency of 2.5 GHz for very high redshift up to z = 15 or even more. Radio afterglows of low luminosity GRBs can only be detected after the completion of the second phase of FAST. FAST is expected to significantly expand the sample of GRB radio afterglows in the near future.

The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for three redshift distributions of long gamma-ray bursts in the Swift Era

We investigate redshift distributions of three long burst samples, with the first sample containing 131 long bursts with observed redshifts, the second including 220 long bursts with pseudo-redshifts calculated by the variability-luminosity relation, and the third including 1194 long bursts with pseudo-redshifls calculated by the lag-luminosity relation, respectively. In the redshift range 0-1 the Kolmogorov-Smirnov probability of the observed redshift distribution and that of the variability-luminosity relation is large. In the redshift ranges 1-2, 2-3, 3-6.3 and 0-37, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov probabilities of the redshift distribution from lag-luminosity relation and the observed redshift distribution are also large. For the GRBs, which appear both in the two pseudo-redshift burst samples, the KS probability of the pseudo-redshift distribution from the lag-luminosity relation and the observed reshift distribution is 0.447, which is very large. Based on these results, some conclusions are drawn： i） the V-Liso relation might be more believable than the τ-Liso relation in low redshift ranges and the τ-Liso relation might be more real than the V-Liso relation in high redshift ranges; ii） if we do not consider the redshift ranges, the τ-Liso relation might be more physical and intrinsical than the V-Liso relation.

Ring-Shaped Jets in Gamma-Ray Bursts

When the axis of a gamma-ray burst （GRB） does not coincide with the spin axis of its source, there may result a ring-shaped jet. Using some refined jet dynamics, we calculate multi-wavelength afterglow light curves for such ring-shaped jets. In the R-band we find an obvious break in the afterglow light curve due to the beaming effect and the break is affected by many parameters, such as the electron energy fraction ζe, the magnetic energy fraction ζB^2, the width of ring △θ and the medium number density n. The overall light curve can be divided into three power-law stages, i.e., an ultra-relativistic stage, an after-break stage and a deep Newtonian stage. For each stage the power-law index is larger in the ring-shaped jet than in the corresponding conical jet.

The Role of T_(50) in the Classification of Gamma-ray Bursts

The role of T50 in classifying gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is investigated. We take T50 = 0.7 s as the line of division and find that some bursts belonging to the class of long bursts defined by T90 ≥ 2 s now become short bursts (sample 1), while some belonging to the class of short bursts defined by T90 < 2 s now become long bursts (sample 2). We study how these sources are affected by the two methods of classification and find the change of classes of sample 1 is due to some peculiar properties of the light curves. Based on their characters, most of the bursts of sample 1 should be taken as short bursts.

Gamma-ray Bursts: a Probe of Black Holes

There is strong evidence for the existence of black holes (BHs) in some X-ray binaries and in most galactic nuclei based on different types of measurement, but black holes have not been definitely identified for the lack of very firm observational evidence up to now. Because direct evidence for BHs should come from determination of strong gravitational redshift, we expect an object can fall into the region near the BH horizon where radiation can be detected. Therefore the object must be a compact star such as a neutron star (NS), and intense astrophysical processes will release highly energetic radiation that is transient and fast-varying. These characteristics may point to the observed gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Recent observations of iron lines suggest that afterglows of GRBs show properties similar to those observed in active galactic nuclei (AGNs), implying that the GRBs may originate from intense events related to black holes. A model for GRBs and after-glows is proposed here to obtain the range of gravitational redshifts (zg) of GRBs with known cosmological redshifts. Here, we provide a new method that, with a search for high-energy emission lines (X- or -γ-rays) in GRBs, one can determine the gravitational redshift. We expect zg to be 0.5 or even larger, so we can rule out the possibility of other compact objects such as NSs, and identify the central progenitors of GRBs as black holes.

A Restriction on the Duration and Peak Energy of Gamma-Ray Bursts

Two dimensional distributions of T90 versus Epeak (or Ebreak) for three bright GRB samples have been investigated. The result shows that although both T90 and Epeak (or Ebreak) each span over a wide range, they are restricted to the region log(T90)≤ - log(Epeak) + 5.24. This cannot be explained by the current fireball model. It may represent a constraint on the fireball model.

Time-resolved spectral analysis of prompt emission from long gamma-ray bursts with GeV emission

We performed detailed time-resolved spectroscopy of bright tong gamma- ray bursts （GRBs） which show significant GeV emissions （GRB 080916C, GRB 090902B and GRB 090926A）. In addition to the standard Band model, we also use a model consisting of a black body and a power law to fit the spectra. We find that for the latter model there are indications of an additional soft component in the spectra. While previous studies have shown that such models are required for GRB 090902B, here we find that a composite spectral model consisting of two blackbodies and a power law adequately fits the data of all the three bright GRBs. We investigate the evolution of the spectral parameters and find several interesting features that appear in all three GRBs, like （a） temperatures of the blackbodies are strongly correlated with each other, （b） fluxes in the black body components are strongly correlated with each other, （c） the temperatures of the black body trace the profile of the individual pulses of the GRBs, and （d） the characteristics of power law components like the spectral index and the delayed onset bear a close similarity to the emission characteristics in the GeV regions. We discuss the implications of these results and the possibility of identifying the radiation mechanisms during the prompt emission of GRBs.

Gamma-ray bursts and their links with supernovae and cosmology

Gamma-ray bursts are the most luminous explosions in the Universe, whose origin and mechanism are the focus of intense interest. They appear connected to su- pernova remnants from massive stars or the merger of their remnants, and their bright- ness makes them temporarily detectable out to the largest distances yet explored in the universe. After pioneering breakthroughs from space and ground experiments, their study is entering a new phase with observations from the recently launched Fermi satellite, as well as the prospect of detections or limits from large neutrino and gravitational wave detectors. The interplay between such observations and theoretical models of gamma-ray bursts is reviewed, and cosmology. as well as their connections to supernovae

Do Very Short Gamma Ray Bursts Originate from Primordial Black Holes? Review

We present the state of current research of Very Short Gamma Ray Bursts (VSGRBs) from seven GRB detectors. We found that VSGRBs form distinct class of GRBs, which in our opinion, in most cases can originate from the evaporating Primordial Black Holes (PBHs). Arguments supporting our opinion: 1) GRBs with time duration (T90) < 100 ms form distinct class: VSGRBs. 2) We observe significant anisotropy in the galactic angular distribution of BATSE VSGRB events. 3) V/Vmax distribution for BATSE VSGRB events indicates the local distance production. 4) VSGBBs have more energetic γ-ray burst than other GRBs with longer duration (KONUS). 5) We observe small number of afterglows in SWIFT VSGRB sample (25%), in contrast with the noticeable afterglow frequency in SGRB sample (78%). 6) Time profile of rising part BATSE VSGRBs is in agreement with the evaporation PBH model.

A Detailed Study on the Equal Arrival Time Surface Effect in Gamma-Ray Burst Afterglows

Due to the relativistic motion of gamma-ray burst remnant and its deceleration in the circumburst medium, the equal arrival time surfaces at any moment are not spherical, rather, they are distorted ellipsoids. This will leave some imprints in the afterglows. We study the effect of equal arrival time surfaces numerically for various circumstances, i.e., isotropic fireballs, collimated jets, density jumps and energy injection events. For each case, a direct comparison is made between including and not including the effect. For isotropic fireballs and jets viewed on axis, the effect slightly hardens the spectra and postpones the peak time of the afterglows, but does not change the shapes of the spectra and light curves significantly. In the cases of a density jump or an energy injection, the effect smears out the variations in the afterglows markedly.

Dynamical Evolution of Gamma-Ray Burst Remnants with Evolving Radiative Efficiency

In previous works, a generic dynamical model has been suggested by Huang. et al., which is shown to be correct for both adiabatic and radiative blast-waves, in both ultra-relativistic and non-relativistic phases. In deriving their equations, Huang et al. have assumed that the radiative efficiency of the fireball is constant. They then applied their model directly to realistic cases where the radiative efficiency evolves with time. In this paper, we abandon the above assumption and re-derive a more accurate dynamical equation for gamma-ray burst remnants. Numerical results show that the model presented by Huang et al. is accurate enough in general cases.