Applying models of pulsar wind nebulae to explain X-ray plateaux following short gamma-ray bursts

TL;DR

This paper presents an analytic model of magnetar wind interactions to explain X-ray plateaux in short gamma-ray burst afterglows, linking theoretical physics with observations and potential multimessenger signals.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analytic model applying magnetar wind physics to sGRB remnants, reproducing X-ray plateaux and spectra, and estimating magnetar parameters from observations.

Findings

Model successfully reproduces X-ray plateau light curves.

Spectral analysis constrains magnetar magnetic field and rotation.

Potential to combine with gravitational wave data for neutron star insights.

Abstract

Many short Gamma-Ray Bursts (sGRBs) have a prolonged plateau in the X-ray afterglow lasting up to tens of thousands of seconds. A central engine injecting energy into the remnant may fuel the plateau. A simple analytic model describing the interaction of the magnetized relativistic wind from a rapidly-rotating magnetar with the surrounding environment can reproduce X-ray plateaux and instantaneous spectra. The model is analogous to classic, well-established models of young supernova remnants and applies the underlying physics to sGRB remnants. The light curve and spectra produced by the model are compared to observations of GRB 130603B. The spectra are also used to estimate parameters of the magnetar including its poloidal field strength and angular frequency. If combined with a gravitational wave signal, this model could provide insight into multimessenger astronomy and neutron star physics.