The ionization of gamma-ray burst environmentsIf a gamma-ray burst (GRB) occurs in a neutral medium, ionizing radiation associated with the burst will flash-photoionize a region surrounding the source. Detection of the line emission from this ionized region can constrain the flux of ionizing radiation accompanying the GRB and the density and ionization state of the environment surrounding the burst source. If the medium is sufficiently dense then the ionized region will recombine and fade on human timescales, aiding in the detection of the burst location and further constraining the density of the medium. However, dust within the dense medium may attenuate the line flux; the burst is unlikely to melt the dust along the line-of-sight. Astronomically interesting flux limits can be established by observations with reasonable integration times on a major telescope (e.g., 3 meter or larger).
Document ID
19930056110
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Band, D. L. (California Univ. La Jolla, United States)
Hartmann, D. H. (Clemson Univ. SC, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: Gamma-ray bursts; Proceedings of the Workshop, Univ. of Alabama, Huntsville, Oct. 16-18, 1991 (A93-40051 16-93)