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An iron absorption model of gamma-ray burst spectraMost gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) exhibit deficits of X-rays below approximately 200 keV. Here we consider a spectral model in which the burst source is shielded by an optically thick layer of circumburster material (CBM) rich in iron-group elements whose photoelectric absorption opacity exceeds the Thomson opacity below approximately 120 keV. For power-law distributions of absorption depths along the lines of sight the absorbed spectrum can indeed mimic the typial GRB spectrum. This model predicts that (a) the spectrum should evolve monotonically from hard to soft during each energy release, which is observed in most bursts, especially in fast rise exponential decay bursts; (b) Fe spectral features near 7 keV may be present in some bursts; and (c) the ratio of burst distances to the CBM and to Earth should be approximately 10(exp -11) if the spectral evolution is purely due to Fe stripping by the photons.
Document ID
19950040575
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Liang, Edison P.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX, United States)
Kargatis, Vincent E.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
September 10, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters
Volume: 432
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Accession Number
95A72174
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: W-7405-ENG-48
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1515
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGT-50924
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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