Spectra of Poynting-flux powered GRB outflows

We investigate the production of the gamma-ray spectrum of a Poynting-flux dominated GRB outflow. The very high magnetic field strengths (super-equipartition) in such a flow lead to very efficient synchrotron emission. In contrast with internal shocks, dissipation of magnetic energy by reconnection...

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Published inAstronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) Vol. 430; no. 1; pp. 1 - 7
Main Authors Giannios, D., Spruit, H. C.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Les Ulis EDP Sciences 01.01.2005
Subjects
gamma rays: bursts
magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
radiation mechanisms: non-thermal
radiation mechanisms: non-thermal
Magnetic reconnection
Magnetohydrodynamics
Poynting flux
Gamma spectra
Gamma ray burst
Nonthermal radiation
Heat dissipation
Gamma radiation
Energy dissipation
High field
Magnetic fields
magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
Synchrotron radiation
gamma rays: bursts
Magnetic energy
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Summary:We investigate the production of the gamma-ray spectrum of a Poynting-flux dominated GRB outflow. The very high magnetic field strengths (super-equipartition) in such a flow lead to very efficient synchrotron emission. In contrast with internal shocks, dissipation of magnetic energy by reconnection is gradual and does not produce the spectrum of cooling electrons associated with shock acceleration. We show that a spectrum with a break in the BATSE energy range is produced, instead, if the magnetic dissipation heats a small (~10-4) population of electrons.
Bibliography:other:2005A%26A...430....1G
publisher-ID:aa0033-04
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ObjectType-Article-2
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content type line 23
ISSN:0004-6361
1432-0746
DOI:10.1051/0004-6361:20047033