Structure of gamma ray burst jets
Abstract
Since 2002 a growing number of works have been addressing a major and still open issue: the GRB outflow geometry and the luminosity distribution across the jet surface. This issue is not only linked to the nature of the GRB engine and to the jet formation but also to the main energy content of the outflow. Here, I will review my contribution in opening up the possibility that a non-uniform luminosity structure can be hidden behind observations: the Universal Structure Jet (USJ). This is, in fact, the only jet structure significantly different from the constant energy homogeneous jet model (HJ) that mimics its lightcurves. The USJ can, thus, account for all the main afterglow observations. Moreover, unlike the HJ, the USJ can explain the observed constant linear polarization angle. Finally, the USJ is a highly testable model since it predicts a luminosity function, which will be soon compared with SWIFT data.
- Publication:
-
Nuovo Cimento C Geophysics Space Physics C
- Pub Date:
- May 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1393/ncc/i2005-10066-8
- Bibcode:
- 2005NCimC..28..387R