High energy polarimetry of prompt GRB emission

[Evidence] of polarized γ-ray emission (> 50 keV) from Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) has been accumulated in recent years. Measurements have been reported with levels in the range of 30–80%, typically with limited statistical significance. No clear picture has yet emerged with regards to the polarizati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNew astronomy reviews Vol. 76; pp. 1 - 21
Main Author McConnell, Mark L.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.02.2017
Subjects
Gamma-ray bursts
Gamma-rays
Instrumentation
Polarimetry
Polarization
Polarization
Instrumentation
Gamma-ray bursts
Polarimetry
Gamma-rays
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Summary:[Evidence] of polarized γ-ray emission (> 50 keV) from Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) has been accumulated in recent years. Measurements have been reported with levels in the range of 30–80%, typically with limited statistical significance. No clear picture has yet emerged with regards to the polarization properties of GRBs. Taken at face value, the data suggest that most GRBs have a relatively large level of polarization (typically, > 50%), which may suggest synchrotron emission associated with an ordered magnetic field structure within the GRB jet. But these results are far from conclusive. Here, we review the observations that have been made, concentrating especially on the instrumental issues and the lessons that might be learned from these data.
ISSN:1387-6473
1872-9630
DOI:10.1016/j.newar.2016.11.001