Gravitational Waves of Jet Precession in Gamma-ray Bursts

TL;DR

This paper models gravitational waves generated by jet precession in gamma-ray bursts, suggesting that future detectors like DECIGO and BBO could observe these signals, especially from nearby GRBs.

Contribution

It introduces a new model linking jet precession in GRBs to gravitational wave emission from black hole-disk systems, highlighting detectability prospects.

Findings

Gravitational waves from jet precession could be detectable by DECIGO and BBO.

Detection likelihood is higher for GRBs within the Local Group.

Precession of jets and disks influences gravitational wave signals.

Abstract

The physical nature of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are believed to involve an ultra-relativistic jet. The observed complex structure of light curves motivate the idea of jet precession. In this work, we study the gravitational waves of jet precession based on neutrino-dominated accretion disks around black holes, which may account for the central engine of GRBs. In our model, the jet and the inner part of the disk may precess along with the black hole, which is driven by the outer part of the disk. Gravitational waves are therefore expected to be significant from this black hole-inner disk precession system. By comparing our numerical results with the sensitivity of some detectors, we find that it is possible for DECIGO and BBO to detect such gravitational waves, particularly for GRBs in the Local Group.