The low energy spectra of gamma-ray burstsThe implications of observed gamma-ray burst spectra for the physical conditions and geometries of the sources are examined. It is noted that an explanation of the continua in terms of optically thin thermal bremsstrahlung requires a relatively large area but a fairly shallow depth. On the other hand, a spectrum similar to that observed could be produced by rapid flickering of sources with less extreme geometries if each flicker emits a Comptonized thermal spectrum. Either field inhomogeneities or plasma motions are required to interpret the low energy features as cyclotron extinction. An alternative explanation is photoelectric absorption by heavy atoms; this requires a field strength high enough to make one-photon electron positron annihilation possible. Observational tests of these possibilities are proposed
Document ID
19830038800
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Bussard, R. W. (Illinois Univ. Urbana, IL, United States)
Lamb, F. K. (Illinois, University Urbana, IL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Meeting Information
Meeting: Gamma ray transients and related astrophysical phenomena; Workshop