No Correlation Between Host Galaxy Metallicity and Gamma-Ray Energy Release for Long-Duration Gamma-Ray Bursts

TL;DR

This study finds no significant correlation between host galaxy metallicity and gamma-ray energy release in long-duration gamma-ray bursts, challenging previous models that predicted an inverse relationship.

Contribution

The paper provides observational evidence against the predicted correlation between metallicity and gamma-ray energy in LGRBs, questioning existing theoretical models.

Findings

No significant correlation between metallicity and gamma-ray energy.

Results contradict previous theoretical predictions.

Implications for LGRB progenitor models.

Abstract

We compare the redshifts, host galaxy metallicities, and isotropic (E_gamma,iso) and beaming-corrected (E_gamma) gamma-ray energy release of 16 long-duration gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) at z < 1. From this comparison, we find no statistically significant correlation between host metallicity and redshift, E_gamma,iso, or E_gamma. These results are at odds with previous theoretical and observational predictions of an inverse correlation between gamma-ray energy release and host metallicity, as well as the standard predictions of metallicity-driven wind effects in stellar evolutionary models. We consider the implications that these results have for LGRB progenitor scenarios, and discuss our current understanding of the role that metallicity plays in the production of LGRBs.