Detection of thermal spectral components in the prompt emission of GRBs

S. Guiriec, V. Connaughton, M. Briggs, F. Daigne, F. Ryde, P. Mészáros, J. McEnery, N. Omodei

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Observations of GRB 100724B with the Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) find that the spectrum is dominated by the typical Band functional form, which is usually taken to represent a non-thermal emission component, but also includes a statistically highly significant thermal spectral contribution [14]. The simultaneous observation of the thermal and non-thermal components allows us to confidently identify the two emission components. The fact that these seem to vary independently favors the idea that the thermal component is of photospheric origin while the dominant non-thermal emission occurs at larger radii. Our results imply either a very high efficiency for the non-thermal process, or a very small size of the region at the base of the flow, both quite challenging for the standard fireball model. These problems are resolved if the jet is initially highly magnetized and has a substantial Poynting flux.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGamma Ray Bursts 2010, GRB 2010
Pages33-36
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
EventGamma Ray Bursts 2010, GRB 2010 - Annapolis, MD, United States
Duration: Nov 1 2010Nov 4 2010

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1358
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

OtherGamma Ray Bursts 2010, GRB 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnnapolis, MD
Period11/1/1011/4/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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