Multiwavelength Observations of Gamma Ray Bursts

TL;DR

This paper reviews multiwavelength observations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), discussing their characteristics, origins, emission mechanisms, and environments, aiming to address open questions in high-energy astrophysics.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of GRB properties and explores open scientific questions using recent multi-wavelength observational data.

Findings

Insights into GRB progenitors and emission mechanisms

Analysis of jet composition and energy dissipation

Understanding of GRB environments and dark bursts

Abstract

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are fascinating sources studied in modern astronomy. They are extremely luminous electromagnetic explosions in the Universe observed from cosmological distances. These unique characteristics provide a marvellous chance to study the evolution of massive stars and probe the rarely explored early Universe. In addition, the central source's compactness and the high bulk Lorentz factor in GRB's ultra-relativistic jets make them efficient laboratories for studying high-energy astrophysics. GRBs are the only astrophysical sources observed in two distinct signals: gravitational and electromagnetic waves. GRBs are believed to be produced from a "fireball" moving at a relativistic speed, launched by a fast-rotating black hole or magnetar. GRBs emit radiation in two phases: the initial gamma/hard X-rays prompt emission, the duration of which ranges from a few seconds to hours, followed by the multi-wavelength and long-lived afterglow phase. Based on the observed time frame of GRB prompt emission, astronomers have generally categorized GRBs into two groups: long (> 2 s) and short (< 2 s) bursts. Despite the discovery of GRBs in the late 1960s, their origin is still a great mystery. There are several open questions related to GRBs, such as: What powers the GRBs jets/central engine? What are the possible progenitors? What is the jet composition? What is the underlying emission process that gives rise to observed radiation? Where and how does the energy dissipation occur in the outflow? How to solve the radiative efficiency problem? What are the possible causes of Dark GRBs and orphan afterglows? How to investigate the local environment of GRBs? etc. In this thesis, we explored some of these open enigmas (progenitor, emission mechanisms, jet composition and environment) using multi-wavelength observations obtained using space and ground-based facilities.