A tidal disruption model for the gamma-ray burst of GRB 060614

TL;DR

This paper proposes a tidal disruption model involving an intermediate mass black hole to explain the unique properties of GRB 060614, which does not fit traditional gamma-ray burst classifications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel progenitor model for GRB 060614, linking tidal disruption events to gamma-ray burst phenomena, explaining its long duration and lack of supernova.

Findings

The model explains the long duration without supernova association.

The energy output matches observational data.

The 9-second periodicity is accounted for by the model.

Abstract

The combination of a long duration and the absence of any accompanying supernova clearly shows that GRB 060614 can not be grouped into the two conventional classes of gamma-ray bursts, i.e. the long/soft bursts deemed to be collapsars and the short/hard bursts deemed to be merging binary compact stars. A new progenitor model is required for this anomalous gamma-ray burst. We propose that GRB 060614 might be produced through the tidal disruption of a star by an intermediate mass black hole. In this scenario, the long duration and the lack of any associated supernova are naturally expected. The theoretical energy output is also consistent with observations. The observed 9-s periodicity in the $\gamma$-ray light curve of GRB 060614 can also be satisfactorily explained.