Exploring the canonical behaviour of long gamma-ray bursts using an intrinsic multiwavelength afterglow correlation

DOI: 
10.1093/mnras/stv1956
Publication date: 
11/11/2015
Main author: 
Oates S.R.
IAA authors: 
Oates, S.R.;Castro-Tirado, A.J.;Gorosabel, J.
Authors: 
Oates S.R., Racusin J.L., De Pasquale M., Page M.J., Castro-Tirado A.J., Gorosabel J., Smith P.J., Breeveld A.A., Kuin N.P.M.
Journal: 
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
453
Pages: 
4121-4135
Number: 
Abstract: 
In this paper, we further investigate the relationship, reported by Oates et al., between the optical/UV afterglow luminosity (measured at restframe 200 s) and average afterglow decay rate (measured from restframe 200 s onwards) of long duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We extend the analysis by examining the X-ray light curves, finding a consistent correlation. We therefore explore how the parameters of these correlations relate to the prompt emission phase and, using a Monte Carlo simulation, explore whether these correlations are consistent with predictions of the standard afterglow model. We find significant correlations between: log LO,200 s and log LX,200 s; αO,>200 s and αX,>200 s, consistent with simulations. The model also predicts relationships between log Eiso and log L200 s; however, while we find such relationships in the observed sample, the slope of the linear regression is shallower than that simulated and inconsistent at>3σ. Simulations also do not agree with correlations observed between log L200 s and α>200 s, or log Eiso and α>200 s. Overall, these observed correlations are consistent with a common underlying physical mechanism producing GRBs and their afterglows regardless of their detailed temporal behaviour. However, a basic afterglow model has difficulty explaining all the observed correlations. This leads us to briefly discuss alternative more complex models. © 2015 The Authors.
Database: 
SCOPUS
WOK
Keywords: 
Gamma-ray burst; General