GeV and Higher Energy Photon Interactions in Gamma-Ray Burst Fireballs and Surroundings

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal Vol. 613; no. 2; pp. 1072 - 1078
• Main Authors: Razzaque, Soebur, Mészáros, Peter, Zhang, Bing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago, IL IOP Publishing 01.10.2004; University of Chicago Press
• Subjects: Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental aspects of astrophysics; Fundamental astronomy and astrophysics. Instrumentation, techniques, and astronomical observations; Gamma-ray sources ; gamma-ray bursts; Radiation mechanisms, polarization; Stellar systems. Galactic and extragalactic objects and systems. The universe; Unidentified sources and radiation outside the solar system; Cosmic gamma bursts; Pair production; Fireballs; Gamma ray burst; Opacity; GeV range; Secondary particle; PeV range; Nonthermal radiation
• ISSN: 0004-637X; 1538-4357
• DOI: 10.1086/423166

We have calculated the opacities and secondary production mechanisms of high-energy photons arising in gamma-ray burst internal shocks, using exact cross sections for the relevant processes. We find that for reasonable choices of parameters, photons in the range of tens to hundreds of GeV may be emi...