Testing for a class of ULGRBs using Swift GRBs

TL;DR

This paper investigates whether ultra-long GRBs constitute a distinct class from regular long GRBs, providing evidence for their uniqueness and discussing implications for future detection strategies.

Contribution

It presents evidence supporting ultra-long GRBs as a separate class and emphasizes the need for specialized instrumentation to detect distant examples.

Findings

Ultra-long GRBs likely form a different class from regular long GRBs

Current sample of ultra-long GRBs is limited

Detection of distant ultra-long GRBs is crucial for understanding their origin

Abstract

The question of whether ultra-long GRBs form a population different from that of "regular" long GRBs has been much debated recently and during the conference. We discuss here the data and the evidence that lead to the conclusion that indeed ultra-long GRBs form a different class of high energy transients. The sample of ultra-long GRBs is still poor and the discussion on their origin remain opens, though they might be the signature of PopIII stars. We urge that the design of new instrumentation, such as the SVOM satellite, takes into account the need for the detection of distant ultra-long GRBs.