Search for Soft Gamma Repeaters in the SMM/HXRBS Data
Abstract
The triggered fast memory of the hard X-ray burst spectrometer (HXRBS) on board the SMM is used to describe the results of a search for short transients resembling soft gamma repeater (SGR) bursts. Memory data for a total of about 4000 burst triggers, out of which only a very few could be considered as valid SGR candidate events, are analyzed. The search methodology is outlined, the HXRBS exposure and sensitivity to SGR bursts are calculated, and the criteria which constrain the number of candidate events are described. An upper limit is given for the SGR source number density. This limit, combined with results from other relevant observations and the assumption of a neutron star origin, are applied to obtain a constraint on SGR-active lifetimes.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- June 1992
- DOI:
- 10.1086/171416
- Bibcode:
- 1992ApJ...392..179K
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Ray Astronomy;
- Gamma Ray Bursts;
- Gamma Rays;
- Solar Maximum Mission;
- Statistical Analysis;
- X Ray Sources;
- Space Radiation;
- GAMMA RAYS: BURSTS;
- GAMMA RAYS: OBSERVATIONS