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16 pages, 596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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 1311

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

Open AccessArticle

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 3 | Viewed by 1245

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

Open AccessArticle

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 1757

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

Open AccessArticle

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 3 | Viewed by 1585

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

E_{QG} = 8_{- 5}^{+ 15} \times 10^{17} GeV

, 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

Open AccessArticle

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 4 | Viewed by 2016

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

μ

m 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

μ

m 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

Open AccessCommunication

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 8 | Viewed by 2076

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

Open AccessArticle

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 2281

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

Open AccessArticle

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 Yashin Show full author list Hide full author list

Universe 2021, 7(11), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe7110396 - 21 Oct 2021

Viewed by 2071

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

Open AccessArticle

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 1759

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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