On the hadronic origin of the TeV radiation from GRB 190114C

TL;DR

This paper investigates the hadronic origin of TeV gamma-ray emission from GRB 190114C using Monte Carlo simulations of photo-hadronic interactions, aligning model predictions with observations and neutrino limits.

Contribution

The study introduces a detailed Monte Carlo simulation of photo-hadronic processes in GRBs, providing insights into the hadronic origin of TeV emission and neutrino flux predictions.

Findings

Reproduces TeV emission with baryonic energy comparable to sub-GeV photons.

Consistent neutrino flux predictions with ANTARES and IceCube limits.

Identifies key parameters: Lorentz factor 100, ms variability timescale.

Abstract

The recently discovered TeV emission from Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) hints towards a possible hadronic origin of this radiation component. We developed a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation reproducing the kinematics of photo-hadronic interactions at internal shocks, including the pair production process that the secondary gamma rays undergo in the GRB jet. We find that sub-TeV observations of GRB 190114C can be reproduced by a baryonic energy content comparable to that in sub-GeV photons and a bulk Lorentz factor $\Gamma=100$, with a ms variability timescale. Neutrino flux predictions by the model are found to be consistent with experimental upper limits set by ANTARES and IceCube.