- Title: Gamma-ray Bursts as Dark Energy Probes
Authors: O. Bertolami P. T. Silva
Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures. Proceedings of "The Dark Side of The Universe" international workshop, Madrid, 20-24 June 2006We discuss the prospects of using Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) as high-redshift distance estimators, and consider their use in the study of two dark energy models, the Generalized Chaplygin Gas (GCG), a model for the unification of dark energy and dark matter, and the XCDM model, a model where a generic dark energy fluid like component is described by the equation of state, $p= \omega \rho$. We find that this test yields rather disappointing results for the GCG model, being mainly sensitive to the total amount of matter present in the Universe in the case of the XCDM model. We also find that, within the framework of the XCDM model, a large sample of GRBs ($\geq 200$) may turn out to be quite useful to improve the forthcoming type Ia supernovae data.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Gamma-ray Bursts as Dark Energy Probes
Convective cooling and fragmentation of gravitationally unstable disks
- astro-ph/0609549 [abs, ps, pdf, other] :
- Title: Convective cooling and fragmentation of gravitationally unstable disks
Authors: Roman R. Rafikov (CITA)
Comments: 8 pages, submitted to ApJGravitationally unstable disks can fragment and form bound objects provided that their cooling time is short. In protoplanetary disks radiative cooling is likely to be too slow to permit formation of planets by fragmentation within several tens of AU from the star. Recently, convection has been suggested as a faster means of heat loss from the disk but here we demonstrate that it is only marginally more efficient than the radiative cooling. The crucial factor is the rate at which energy can be radiated from the disk photosphere, which is robustly limited from above in the convective case by the adiabatic temperature gradient (given a certain midplane temperature). Thus, although vigorous convection is definitely possible in disks, the inefficiency of radiative loss from the photosphere may create a bottleneck limiting the ability of the disk to form self-gravitating objects. Based on this argument we derive a set of analytical constraints which diagnose the susceptibility of an unstable disk to fragmentation and show that the formation of giant planets by fragmentation of protoplanetary disks is unlikely to occur at distances of tens of AU. At the same time these constraints do not preclude the possibility of fragmentation and star formation in accretion disks around supermassive black holes.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Tests of general relativity from timing the double pulsar
- astro-ph/0609417 [abs, ps, pdf, other] :
- Title: Tests of general relativity from timing the double pulsar
Authors: M. Kramer, I.H. Stairs, R.N. Manchester, M.A. McLaughlin, A.G. Lyne, R.D. Ferdman, M. Burgay, D.R. Lorimer, A. Possenti, N. D'Amico, J.M. Sarkissian, G.B. Hobbs, J.E. Reynolds, P.C.C. Freire, F. Camilo
Comments: Appeared in Science Express, Sept. 14, 2006. Includes supporting materialThe double pulsar system, PSR J0737-3039A/B, is unique in that both neutron stars are detectable as radio pulsars. This, combined with significantly higher mean orbital velocities and accelerations when compared to other binary pulsars, suggested that the system would become the best available testbed for general relativity and alternative theories of gravity in the strong-field regime. Here we report on precision timing observations taken over the 2.5 years since its discovery and present four independent strong-field tests of general relativity. Use of the theory-independent mass ratio of the two stars makes these tests uniquely different from earlier studies. By measuring relativistic corrections to the Keplerian description of the orbital motion, we find that the ``post-Keplerian'' parameter s agrees with the value predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity within an uncertainty of 0.05%, the most precise test yet obtained. We also show that the transverse velocity of the system's center of mass is extremely small. Combined with the system's location near the Sun, this result suggests that future tests of gravitational theories with the double pulsar will supersede the best current Solar-system tests. It also implies that the second-born pulsar may have formed differently to the usually assumed core-collapse of a helium star.
Manchester，龚老师所说的牛人
Diagnostics of the black hole candidate SS433 with the RXTE
Diagnostics of the black hole candidate SS433 with the RXTE
Authors: E. Filippova (1,2), M. Revnivtsev (1,2), S. Fabrika (3), K. Postnov (4), E. Seifina (4) ((1) MPA, Garching, Germany,(2) IKI, Moscow, Russia, (3) SAO, Nizhnij Arkhyz, Russia,(4) SAI, Moscow, Russia)Comments: 9 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics
We present our analysis of the extensive monitoring of SS433 by the RXTE observatory collected over the period 1996-2005. The difference between energy spectra taken at different precessional and orbital phases shows the presence of strong photoabsorption (N_H>10^{23}cm^{-2}) near the optical star, probably due to its powerful, dense wind. Therefore the size of the secondary deduced from analysis of X-ray orbital eclipses might be significantly larger than its Roche lobe size, which must be taken into account when evaluating the mass ratio from analysis of X-ray eclipses. Assuming that a precessing accretion disk is geometrically thick, we recover the temperature profile in the X-ray emitting jet that best fits the observed precessional variations in the X-ray emission temperature. The hottest visible part of the X-ray jet is located at a distance of l_0/a~0.06-0.09, or ~2-3*10^{11}cm from the central compact object, and has a temperature of about T_{max}~30 keV. We discovered appreciable orbital X-ray eclipses at the ``crossover'' precessional phases (jets are in the plane of the sky, disk is edge-on), which under model assumptions put a lower limit on the size of the optical component R/a>0.5 and an upper limit on a mass ratio of binary companions q=M_x/M_{opt}<0.3-0.35,>Full-text: PostScript, PDF, or Other formats
译文：
跟进动有关，似乎比较好上手!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Forming a constant density medium close to long gamma-ray bursts
Forming a constant density medium close to long gamma-ray bursts
Authors: A.J. van Marle, N. Langer, A. Achterberg, G. Garcia-SeguraComments: 13 pages, 13 figures, new version: as accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysics
The progenitor stars of long Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are thought to be Wolf-Rayet stars, which generate a massive and energetic wind. Nevertheless, about 25 percent of all GRB afterglows light curves indicate a constant density medium close to the exploding star. We explore various ways to produce this, by creating situations where the wind termination shock arrives very close to the star, as the shocked wind material has a nearly constant density. Typically, the distance between a Wolf-Rayet star and the wind termination shock is too large to allow afterglow formation in the shocked wind material. Here, we investigate possible causes allowing for a smaller distance: A high density or a high pressure in the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM), a weak Wolf-Rayet star wind, the presence of a binary companion, and fast motion of the Wolf-Rayet star relative to the ISM. We find that all four scenarios are possible in a limited parameter space, but that none of them is by itself likely to explain the large fraction of constant density afterglows. A low GRB progenitor metallicity, and a high GRB energy make the occurrence of a GRB afterglow in a constant density medium more likely. This may be consistent with constant densities beingpreferentially found for energetic, high redshift GRBs.
Full-text: PostScript, PDF, or Other formats
译文：Electron acceleration in relativistic GRB shocks
Authors: Mikhail V. Medvedev (U.Kansas)
Comments: 4 pages, 2 figs; ApJL accepted
The shock model of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) contains two equipartition parameters: the magnetic energy density and the kinetic energy density of the electrons relative to the total energy density of the shock, "epsilon_B" and "epsilon_e", respectively. These are free parameters within the model. Whereas the Weibel shock theory and numerical simulations fix "epsilon_B" at the level of ~few times(10^{-3}...10^{-4}), no understanding of "epsilon_e" exists so far. Here we demonstrate that it inevitably follows from the theory that "epsilon_e"~(epsilon_B)^(1/2). The GRB afteglow data fully agree with this theoretical prediction. Our result explains why the electrons are close to equipartition in GRBs. The "epsilon_e"-"epsilon_B" relation can potentially be used to reduce the number of free parameters in afterglow models.
General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations of Jet Formation with a Thin Keplerian Disk
Authors: Yosuke Mizuno (NSSTC/MSFC/NPP), Ken-Ichi Nishikawa (NSSTC/UAH), Shinji Koide (Kumamoto Univ.), Philip Hardee (UA), Gerald J. Fishman (MSFC)
Comments: 11 pages, 2 figures, submitted to ApJL
We have performed several simulations of black hole systems (non-rotating, black hole spin parameter $a=0.0$ and rapidly rotating, $a=0.95$) with a geometrically thin Keplerian disk using the newly developed RAISHIN code. The simulation results show the formation of jets driven by the Lorentz force and the gas pressure gradient. The jets have mildly relativistic speed (> 0.4c). The matter is continuously supplied from the accretion disk and the jet propagates outward until each applicable terminal simulation time (non-rotating: t/tau_S = 275 and rotating: t/tau_S = 200, tau_S = r_S/c). It appears that a rotating black hole creates an additional, faster, and more collimated inner outflow (> 0.5c) formed and accelerated by the twisted magnetic field resulting from frame-dragging in the black hole ergosphere. This new result indicates that jet kinematic structure depends on black hole rotation.
On the two-dimensional magnetic reconnection with nonuniform resistivity
Authors: Leonid Malyshkin, Russell M. Kulsrud
Comments: 7 pages, 1 figure, submitted to Physics of Plasmas
In this paper two theoretical approaches for the calculation of the rate of quasi-stationary, two-dimensional magnetic reconnection with nonuniform anomalous resistivity are considered in the framework of incompressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). In the first, ``global'' equations approach the MHD equations are approximately solved for a whole reconnection layer, including the upstream and downstream regions and the layer center. In the second, ``local'' equations approach the equations are solved across the reconnection layer, including only the upstream region and the layer center. Both approaches give the same approximate answer for the reconnection rate. Our theoretical model is in agreement with the results of recent simulations of reconnection with spatially nonuniform resistivity by Baty, Priest and Forbes (2006), contrary to their conclusions.
Galaxy Clusters Associated with Short GRBs. II. Predictions for the Rate of Short GRBs in Field and Cluster Early-Type Galaxies
Authors: Min-Su Shin (Princeton), Edo Berger (OCIW & Princeton)
Comments: 9 pages, 3 figures, submitted to ApJ
We determine the relative rates of short GRBs in cluster and field early-type galaxies as a function of the age probability distribution of their progenitors, P(\tau) \propto \tau^n. This analysis takes advantage of the difference in the growth of stellar mass in clusters and in the field, which arises from the combined effects of the galaxy stellar mass function, the early-type fraction, and the dependence of star formation history on mass and environment. This approach complements the use of the early- to late-type host galaxy ratio, with the added benefit that the star formation histories of early-type galaxies are simpler than those of late-type galaxies, and any systematic differences between progenitors in early- and late-type galaxies are removed. We find that the ratio varies from R(cluster)/R(field) ~ 0.5 for n = -2 to ~ 3 for n = 2. Current observations indicate a ratio of about 2, corresponding to n ~ 0 - 1. This is similar to the value inferred from the ratio of short GRBs in early- and late-type hosts, but it differs from the value of n ~ -1 for NS binaries in the Milky Way. We stress that this general approach can be easily modified with improved knowledge of the effects of environment and mass on the build-up of stellar mass, as well as the effect of globular clusters on the short GRB rate. It can also be used to assess the age distribution of Type Ia supernova progenitors.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Temporal and Angular Properties of GRB Jets Emerging from Massive Stars
- Title: Temporal and Angular Properties of GRB Jets Emerging from Massive Stars
Authors: Brian J. Morsony, Davide Lazzati, Mitchell C. Begelman (JILA, University of Colorado)
Comments: 56 pages, 31 figures (59 postscript files). Submitted to ApJ. Full resolution version of the figures and movies at this http URLWe study the long-term evolution of relativistic jets in collapsars and examine the effects of viewing angle on the subsequent gamma ray bursts. We carry out a series of high-resolution simulations of a jet propagating through a stellar envelope in 2D cylindrical coordinates using the FLASH relativistic hydrodynamics module. For the first time, simulations are carried out using an adaptive mesh that allows for a large dynamic range inside the star while still being efficient enough to follow the evolution of the jet long after it breaks out from the star. Our simulations allow us to single out three phases in the jet evolution: a precursor phase in which relativistic material turbulently shed from the head of the jet first emerges from the star, a shocked jet phase where a fully shocked jet of material is emerging, and an unshocked jet phase where the jet consists of a free-streaming, unshocked core surrounded by a thin boundary layer of shocked jet material. The appearance of these phases will be different to observers at different angles. The precursor has a wide opening angle and would be visible far off axis. The shocked phase has a relatively narrow opening angle that is constant in time. During the unshocked jet phase the opening angle increases logarithmically with time. As a consequence, some observers see prolonged dead times of emission even for constant properties of the jet injected in the stellar core. We also present an analytic model that is able to reproduce the overall properties of the jet and its evolution. We finally discuss the observational implications of our results, emphasizing the possible ways to test progenitor models through the effects of jet propagation in the star. In an appendix, we present 1D and 2D tests of the FLASH relativistic hydrodynamics module.
- 译文：
- 喷流结构，我的下一个目标！
Nonlinear shear-current dynamo and magnetic helicity transport in sheared turbulence
- Title: Nonlinear shear-current dynamo and magnetic helicity transport in sheared turbulence
Authors: I. Rogachevskii, N. Kleeorin, E. Liverts
Comments: 13 pages, 13 figures, REVTEX4, Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, in pressThe nonlinear mean-field dynamo due to a shear-current effect in a nonhelical homogeneous turbulence with a mean velocity shear is discussed. The transport of magnetic helicity as a dynamical nonlinearity is taken into account. The shear-current effect is associated with the ${\bf W} {\bf \times} {\bf J}$ term in the mean electromotive force, where ${\bf W}$ is the mean vorticity due to the large-scale shear motions and ${\bf J}$ is the mean electric current. This effect causes the generation of large-scale magnetic field in a turbulence with large hydrodynamic and magnetic Reynolds numbers. The dynamo action due to the shear-current effect depends on the spatial scaling of the correlation time $\tau(k)$ of the background turbulence, where $k$ is the wave number. For Kolmogorov scaling, $\tau(k) \propto k^{-2/3}$, the dynamo instability occurs, while when $\tau(k) \propto k^{-2}$ (small hydrodynamic and magnetic Reynolds numbers) there is no the dynamo action in a sheared nonhelical turbulence. The magnetic helicity flux strongly affects the magnetic field dynamics in the nonlinear stage of the dynamo action. Numerical solutions of the nonlinear mean-field dynamo equations which take into account the shear-current effect, show that if the magnetic helicity flux is not small, the saturated level of the mean magnetic field is of the order of the equipartition field determined by the turbulent kinetic energy. Turbulence with a large-scale velocity shear is a universal feature in astrophysics, and the obtained results can be important for elucidation of origin of the large-scale magnetic fields in astrophysical sheared turbulence.
- 译文：
- Dynamo我一直关注的！
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The Supernova -- Gamma-Ray Burst Connection
- astro-ph/0609142 [abs, ps, pdf, other] :
- Title: The Supernova -- Gamma-Ray Burst Connection
Authors: S. E. Woosley (UC Santa Cruz), J. S. Bloom (UC Berkeley)
Comments: Published in the Annual Reviews of Astronomy and Astrophysics (Sept 2006). 54 pages, 11 figures (this is the pre-copyedited version, submitted 22 Feb 2006; published online as a Review in Advance on 16 June 2006)Observations show that at least some gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) happen simultaneously with core-collapse supernovae (SNe), thus linking by a common thread nature's two grandest explosions. We review here the growing evidence for and theoretical implications of this association, and conclude that most long-duration soft-spectrum GRBs are accompanied by massive stellar explosions (GRB-SNe). The kinetic energy and luminosity of well-studied GRB-SNe appear to be greater than those of ordinary SNe, but evidence exists, even in a limited sample, for considerable diversity. The existing sample also suggests that most of the energy in the explosion is contained in nonrelativistic ejecta (producing the supernova) rather than in the relativistic jets responsible for making the burst and its afterglow. Neither all SNe, nor even all SNe of Type Ibc produce GRBs. The degree of differential rotation in the collapsing iron core of massive stars when they die may be what makes the difference.
牛人必定出牛文
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Magnetar-Driven Magnetic Tower as a Model for Gamma-Ray Bursts and Asymmetric Supernovae
- astro-ph/0609047 [abs, ps, pdf, other] :
- Title: Magnetar-Driven Magnetic Tower as a Model for Gamma-Ray Bursts and Asymmetric Supernovae
Authors: Dmitri A. Uzdensky (Princeton University and CMSO), Andrew I. MacFadyen (IAS)
Comments: 13 pages, 6 figures; submitted to ApJWe consider a newly-born millisecond magnetar, focusing on its interaction with the dense stellar plasma in which it is initially embedded. We argue that the confining pressure and inertia of the surrounding plasma acts to collimate the magnetar's Poynting-flux-dominated outflow into tightly beamed jets and increases its magnetic luminosity. We propose this process as an essential ingredient in the magnetar model for gamma-ray burst and asymmetric supernova central engines. We introduce the ``pulsar-in-a-cavity'' as an important model problem representing a magnetized rotating neutron star inside a collapsing star. We describe its essential properties and derive simple estimates for the evolution of the magnetic field and the resulting spin-down power. We find that the infalling stellar mantle confines the magnetosphere, enabling a gradual build-up of the toroidal magnetic field due to continuous twisting. The growing magnetic pressure eventually becomes dominant, resulting in a magnetically-driven explosion. The initial phase of the explosion is quasi-isotropic, potentially exposing a sufficient amount of material to $^{56}$Ni-producing temperatures to result in a bright supernova. However, if significant expansion of the star occurs prior to the explosion, then very little $^{56}$Ni is produced and no supernova is expected. In either case, hoop stress subsequently collimates the magnetically-dominated outflow, leading to the formation of a magnetic tower. After the star explodes, the decrease in bounding pressure causes the magnetic outflow to become less beamed. However, episodes of late fallback can reform the beamed outflow, which may be responsible for late X-ray flares.
以后要关注磁塔模型了！