Absorption features in gamma-ray burst spectra - Some problems in their analysis
Abstract
Several authors have noted the presence of features below 70 keV in the energy spectra of gamma-ray bursts. They have been interpreted as cyclotron absorption lines originating from strongly magnetized neutron stars. It is shown here that similar features could also be produced by instrumental or analysis artifacts such as the presence of a dead layer on the surface of scintillators, problems in evaluation of the burst continuum spectrum, and difficulties in background substraction. A search to confirm or reject the reality of the cyclotron lines has begun using the data of the French-Soviet LILAS experiment on the Phobos probes launched in July 1988.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- February 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990A&A...228L...1N
- Keywords:
-
- Absorption Spectra;
- Gamma Ray Bursts;
- Gamma Ray Spectra;
- Neutron Stars;
- Cosmic Rays;
- Cyclotron Radiation;
- Energy Spectra;
- Sodium;
- X Ray Telescopes;
- Astrophysics