First Stars, Reionization and Gamma-Ray Bursts

TL;DR

Gamma-Ray Bursts are valuable probes for understanding the early universe, including the formation of first stars and galaxies, with upcoming missions promising significant advancements in this research area.

Contribution

The paper reviews how Gamma-Ray Bursts can be used to study the Epoch of Reionization and discusses the potential impact of the \\TH mission in this field.

Findings

Gamma-Ray Bursts provide insights into the early universe.

Absorption spectra can reveal details of the Epoch of Reionization.

Future missions like \\TH could revolutionize this research.

Abstract

Gamma-Ray Bursts represent unique tools to study the early phases of cosmic evolution, the formation of the first stars and galaxies. Absorption line spectra of these sources located in the Epoch of Reionization might provide us with key information about these remote, and yet fundamental, stages of cosmic history. I will briefly review these issues, highlighting the immense leap that the \TH mission could represent for finding answers to the many fundamental open questions.