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Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of...
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Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy

A special issue of Universe (ISSN 2218-1997). This special issue belongs to the section "Space Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (11 March 2022) | Viewed by 21196

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mariusz Tarnopolski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Astronomical Observatory of the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
Interests: celestial mechanics; active galactic nuclei; gamma-ray bursts; chaos; statistics
Dr. Jakub Ripa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Atomic Physics, Institute of Physics, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1053 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: gamma-ray bursts; high-energy astrophysics; CubeSats; instrumentation; ultra-high energy neutrinos; cosmology; statistical methods in astrophysics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Our understanding of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) has advanced significantly since their discovery almost 50 years ago, and several major milestones have been reached. Some of the breakthrough discoveries include:

  • the discovery of the GRB afterglow—a long-lasting emission in the X-ray, optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths that is due to the propagation of a relativistic shock through the surrounding medium;
  • confirmation of the extragalactic origin of GRBs at distances reaching a cosmological redshift up to z > 9, placing GRBs among the most distant astronomical objects known today and making them probes of the distant Universe;
  • the association of some of long GRBs with core-collapse supernovae Ic-linked with the collapse of fast-spinning massive stars into neutron stars or black holes;
  • the connection of short GRBs with mergers of compact objects such as neutron stars. The recent observation of the gravitational wave signal GW170817, detected by LIGO, followed by the short gamma-ray burst GRB170817A with an optical transient (kilonova), marked the beginning of multi-messenger astrophysics in which gravitational waves and electromagnetic observations are combined.

Despite these successes, open questions remain. For example:

  • the jet composition;
  • detailed physics of the shocks;
  • emission mechanisms;
  • an understanding of various scenarios of kilonova explosions;
  • neutrino signal counterparts; and
  • GRBs from Population III stars.

The current generation, and future generations, of large space missions and, in parallel, the rise of CubeSats, SmallSats, and their constellations aim to address these questions.

This Special Issue aims to review the current and future prospects of the field of gamma-ray bursts. It also welcomes novel ideas beyond the current framework. For this purpose, observational, theoretical, and instrumentation contributions are welcome.

Dr. Mariusz Tarnopolski
Dr. Jakub Ripa
Guest Editors

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Universe is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • gamma-ray bursts
  • multi-messenger astronomy
  • multi-wavelength observations
  • high-energy astrophysics
  • instrumentation

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 596 KiB  
Article
The Spatial Distribution of Gamma-Ray Bursts with Measured Redshifts from 24 Years of Observation
by Zsolt Bagoly, István Horvath, István I. Racz, Lajos G. Balázs and L. Viktor Tóth
Universe 2022, 8(7), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8070342 - 21 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1655
Abstract
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most luminous objects known: they outshine their host galaxies, making them ideal candidates for probing large-scale structure. Our aim is to determine the Spatial Two-Point Correlation Function of the GRBs with spectroscopic redshifts. We used all observations till [...] Read more.
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most luminous objects known: they outshine their host galaxies, making them ideal candidates for probing large-scale structure. Our aim is to determine the Spatial Two-Point Correlation Function of the GRBs with spectroscopic redshifts. We used all observations till 4 June 2021, and we also split the data according to the origin of the redshift (afterglow or host galaxy). We analyzed the possible correlation between the GRB redshift and sky position. There is only one region, called the Faraway GRB Patch, where nine distant GRBs shows deviation from the randomness with an ≈1% significance, showing that the sky and the radial component of the GRB distribution could be factorized and both can be determined independently. The GRBs’ cumulative monthly distribution was used to show that it is impossible to synthesize the Sky Exposure Function, even from the perfect observational logs. We estimated the Sky Exposure Function using the Gaussian kernel, and with the radial distribution, it was used for the estimation of the Spatial Two-Point Correlation Function. Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine the Poissonian errors. Our result shows that the current Spatial Two-Point Correlation Function estimations are consistent with zero for the full and the afterglow/host galaxy datasets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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18 pages, 607 KiB  
Article
Effect of Fluid Composition on a Jet Breaking out of a Cocoon in Gamma-Ray Bursts: A Relativistic de Laval Nozzle Treatment
by Mukesh K. Vyas
Universe 2022, 8(6), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8060294 - 24 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1499
Abstract
In this paper we carry out a semi-analytic general relativistic study of a Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRB) jet that is breaking out of a cocoon or stellar envelope. We solve hydrodynamic equations with the relativistic equation of state that takes care of fluid composition. [...] Read more.
In this paper we carry out a semi-analytic general relativistic study of a Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRB) jet that is breaking out of a cocoon or stellar envelope. We solve hydrodynamic equations with the relativistic equation of state that takes care of fluid composition. In short GRBs, a general relativistic approach is required to account for curved spacetime in strong gravity. The piercing of the jet through the cocoon resembles a de Laval nozzle and the jet may go through recollimation shock transitions. We show that the possibility of shock transition and the shock properties are sensitive to the matter composition and the cocoon strength. Obtained Lorentz factors in thermally driven jets comfortably reach few ×10. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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29 pages, 2105 KiB  
Article
Bayesian Methods for Inferring Missing Data in the BATSE Catalog of Short Gamma-Ray Bursts
by Amir Shahmoradi, Joshua Alexander Osborne and Fatemeh Bagheri
Universe 2022, 8(5), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8050267 - 28 Apr 2022
Viewed by 2105
Abstract
The knowledge of the redshifts of Short-duration Gamma-Ray Bursts (SGRBs) is essential for constraining their cosmic rates and thereby the rates of related astrophysical phenomena, particularly Gravitational Wave Radiation (GWR) events. Many of the events detected by gamma-ray observatories (e.g., BATSE, Fermi, and [...] Read more.
The knowledge of the redshifts of Short-duration Gamma-Ray Bursts (SGRBs) is essential for constraining their cosmic rates and thereby the rates of related astrophysical phenomena, particularly Gravitational Wave Radiation (GWR) events. Many of the events detected by gamma-ray observatories (e.g., BATSE, Fermi, and Swift) lack experimentally measured redshifts. To remedy this, we present and discuss a generic data-driven probabilistic modeling framework to infer the unknown redshifts of SGRBs in the BATSE catalog. We further explain how the proposed probabilistic modeling technique can be applied to newer catalogs of SGRBs and other astronomical surveys to infer the missing data in the catalogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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9 pages, 347 KiB  
Article
Testing Lorentz Violation with IceCube Neutrinos
by Huiming Zhang and Lili Yang
Universe 2022, 8(5), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8050260 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1924
Abstract
Lorentz violation (LV) induced by Quantum Gravity has been tested at much lower energies than the Planck scale with more and more observational evidence. In recent studies, the time of flight difference between the TeV neutrino and MeV photon from Gamma Ray Bursts [...] Read more.
Lorentz violation (LV) induced by Quantum Gravity has been tested at much lower energies than the Planck scale with more and more observational evidence. In recent studies, the time of flight difference between the TeV neutrino and MeV photon from Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) have been used to constrain the LV energy scale, based on the energy-dependent speed variation. Here, we performed a correlation study between the updated 7.5 year high-energy starting events (HESE), neutrino alert events detected by IceCube, and a full sample of more than 7000 GRBs, and we found six GRB-neutrino candidates, including four alerts and two track events. We obtained the first order energy scale of quantum gravity, namely EQG=8−5+15×1017GeV, which was consistent with other authors‘ work. We suggest that neutrinos and anti-neutrinos can be identified, respectively, due to the delay or advance of the observed time. For future point source search study of neutrinos, the arrival time difference of different particles may have to be taken into account. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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16 pages, 5578 KiB  
Article
Directional-Sensitive X-ray/Gamma-ray Imager on Board the VZLUSAT-2 CubeSat for Wide Field-of-View Observation of GRBs in Low Earth Orbit
by Carlos Granja, Rene Hudec, Veronika Maršíková, Adolf Inneman, Ladislav Pína, Daniela Doubravova, Zdenek Matej, Vladimir Daniel and Peter Oberta
Universe 2022, 8(4), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8040241 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2548
Abstract
We present a miniaturized and wide field-of-view X-ray and Gamma-ray imager consisting of a segmented 2D optics-collimator coupled to the high-sensitivity semiconductor pixel detector Timepix equipped with a high-Z sensor (CdTe 2000 μm thick). The compact payload has been deployed in low-Earth [...] Read more.
We present a miniaturized and wide field-of-view X-ray and Gamma-ray imager consisting of a segmented 2D optics-collimator coupled to the high-sensitivity semiconductor pixel detector Timepix equipped with a high-Z sensor (CdTe 2000 μm thick). The compact payload has been deployed in low-Earth orbit (LEO) onboard the 3U Cubesat VZLUSAT-2 which was launched on 13 January 2022. The instrument is designed to verify small spacecraft borne observation in open space of hard X-ray and Gamma-ray sources both of celestial and atmospheric origin. High-resolution spectral-sensitive X-ray and Gamma-ray images are provided with enhanced event discrimination and wide field-of-view up to 60°. Description of the instrument together with response evaluation and tests in ground with well-defined sources are presented. The intended observational plan for in-orbit measurements is outlined along with astrophysical goals and issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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12 pages, 741 KiB  
Communication
Does the GRB Duration Depend on Redshift?
by Istvan Horvath, Istvan I. Racz, Zsolt Bagoly, Lajos G. Balázs and Sandor Pinter
Universe 2022, 8(4), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8040221 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2472
Abstract
Several hundred gamma-ray burst (GRB) redshifts have been determined to date. One of the other important properties—besides the distance—of the GRBs is the duration of the burst. In this paper, we analyse these two important quantities of the phenomena. In this paper, we [...] Read more.
Several hundred gamma-ray burst (GRB) redshifts have been determined to date. One of the other important properties—besides the distance—of the GRBs is the duration of the burst. In this paper, we analyse these two important quantities of the phenomena. In this paper, we map the two-dimensional distribution and explore some suspicious areas. As it is well known that the short GRBs are closer than the others, we search for parts in the Universe where the GRB duration is different from the others. We also analyse whether there are any ranges in the duration where the redshifts differ. We find some suspicious areas, however, no other significant region was found than the short GRB region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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18 pages, 1270 KiB  
Article
Small Spacecraft Payload Study for X-ray Astrophysics including GRB Science
by Vladimír Dániel, Veronika Maršíková, Rene Hudec, Ladislav Pína, Adolf Inneman and Karel Pelc
Universe 2022, 8(3), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe8030144 - 23 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2830
Abstract
This paper presents microsatellite spacecraft payload study for prompt observation of transient astrophysical objects in X-ray energy range. By combining telescope concepts and miniaturized detectors, the small spacecraft will be able to probe the X-ray temporal emissions of bright events such as Gamma-Ray [...] Read more.
This paper presents microsatellite spacecraft payload study for prompt observation of transient astrophysical objects in X-ray energy range. By combining telescope concepts and miniaturized detectors, the small spacecraft will be able to probe the X-ray temporal emissions of bright events such as Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs), X-ray transients or the electromagnetic counterparts of Gravitational Wave Events (GWEs), but also short and long term observations of other types of variable X-ray sources. The spacecraft is based on the CubeSat nanosatellite platform with a volume of 16U. The spacecraft carries two types of X-ray telescopes onboard. The first is intended for X-ray transient monitoring and localization, and the second for detailed spectroscopic observation. The X-ray monitor/localization telescope with wide field of view of several arc degrees is used for localization and flux measurement of X-ray transients, as well as for permanent monitoring of Galactic center area. This telescope is based on Lobster Eye X-ray optics together with pixel detector based on the Timepix3 Quad detector. Rapid follow-up observation by soft X-ray spectroscopy is enabled by a second X-ray spectroscopic telescope with limited FOV (Field of View) of several arcmins with no spatial and/or angular resolution. The spectroscopic telescope uses condenser optics based on replicated parabolic total reflection system (or, alternatively, Wolter system) and a Ketek X-ray SDD detector with energy resolution of about 130 eV as a detector. In addition to technical and instrumental aspects, observational strategy and astrophysical issues and justifications are also addressed in the paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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12 pages, 3791 KiB  
Article
Detection of Low-Energy X-rays Using YSO Scintillation Crystal Arrays for GRB Experiments
by Minbin Kim, Jakub Ripa, Il H. Park, Vitaly Bogomolov, Søren Brandt, Carl Budtz-Jørgensen, Alberto J. Castro-Tirado, Sheng-Hsiung Chang, Yenyun Chang, Chia Ray Chen, C.-W. Chen, Pisin Chen, Paul Connell, Chris Eyles, Georgii Gaikov, Gihan Hong, Jian Jung Huang, Ming-Huey Alfred Huang, Soomin Jeong, Jieun Kim, Jik Lee, Heuijin Lim, Chih-Yang Lin, Tsung-Che Liu, Jiwoo Nam, Mikhail Panasyuk, Vasily Petrov, Victor Reglero, Juana M. Rodrigo, Sergey Svertilov, Nikolay Vedenkin, Ming Zu Wang and Ivan Yashinadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Universe 2021, 7(11), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe7110396 - 21 Oct 2021
Viewed by 2515
Abstract
We developed an X-ray detector using 36 arrays, each consisting of a 64-pixellated yttrium oxyorthosilicate (YSO) scintillation crystal and a 64-channel multi-anode photomultiplier tube. The X-ray detector was designed to detect X-rays with energies lower than 10 keV, primarily with the aim of [...] Read more.
We developed an X-ray detector using 36 arrays, each consisting of a 64-pixellated yttrium oxyorthosilicate (YSO) scintillation crystal and a 64-channel multi-anode photomultiplier tube. The X-ray detector was designed to detect X-rays with energies lower than 10 keV, primarily with the aim of localizing gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). YSO crystals have no intrinsic background, which is advantageous for increasing low-energy sensitivity. The fabricated detector was integrated into UBAT, the payload of the Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory (UFFO)/Lomonosov for GRB observation. The UFFO was successfully operated in space in a low-Earth orbit. In this paper, we present the responses of the X-ray detector of the UBAT engineering model identical to the flight model, using 241Am and 55Fe radioactive sources and an Amptek X-ray tube. We found that the X-ray detector can measure energies lower than 5 keV. As such, we expect YSO crystals to be good candidates for the X-ray detector materials for future GRB missions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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20 pages, 3814 KiB  
Article
Lomonosov GRB Catalogue: The First Experience of Prompt Emission Multi-Wavelength Observations
by V. A. Sadovnichy, M. I. Panasyuk, S. I. Svertilov, V. M. Lipunov, V. V. Bogomolov, A. V. Bogomolov, E. S. Gorbovskoy, A. F. Iyudin, V. V. Kalegaev, V. G. Kornilov, I. H. Park, V. L. Petrov, N. N. Vedenkin and I. V. Yashin
Universe 2021, 7(10), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe7100375 - 9 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2126
Abstract
This paper presents a catalogue of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) that were detected by the instruments onboard the Lomonosov space observatory. The Lomonosov mission gave the first experience of not only multi-wavelength (from optical to gamma) observations of GRBs but also multi-messenger observations of [...] Read more.
This paper presents a catalogue of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) that were detected by the instruments onboard the Lomonosov space observatory. The Lomonosov mission gave the first experience of not only multi-wavelength (from optical to gamma) observations of GRBs but also multi-messenger observations of extreme phenomena and GRBs. The detailed light curves and energy spectra of the detected GRBs are presented. The results of the prompt, early an afterglow optical observations of several GRBs are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gamma-Ray Bursts: Observational and Theoretical Prospects in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy)
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