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A γ-ray burst with a high-energy spectral component inconsistent with the synchrotron shock model

Author

Listed:
  • M. M. González

    (University of Wisconsin
    Los Alamos National Laboratory)

  • B. L. Dingus

    (University of Wisconsin
    Los Alamos National Laboratory)

  • Y. Kaneko

    (University of Alabama in Huntsville, National Space Science and Technology Center)

  • R. D. Preece

    (University of Alabama in Huntsville, National Space Science and Technology Center)

  • C. D. Dermer

    (Code 7653, Naval Research Laboratory)

  • M. S. Briggs

    (University of Alabama in Huntsville, National Space Science and Technology Center)

Abstract

Gamma-ray bursts are among the most powerful events in nature. These events release most of their energy as photons with energies in the range from 30 keV to a few MeV, with a smaller fraction of the energy radiated in radio, optical, and soft X-ray afterglows1. The data are in general agreement with a relativistic shock model2, where the prompt and afterglow emissions3 correspond to synchrotron radiation from shock-accelerated electrons. Here we report an observation of a high-energy (multi-MeV) spectral component in the burst of 17 October 1994 that is distinct from the previously observed lower-energy γ-ray component. The flux of the high-energy component decays more slowly and its fluence is greater than the lower-energy component; it is described by a power law of differential photon number index approximately -1 up to about 200 MeV. This observation is difficult to explain with the standard synchrotron shock model2, suggesting the presence of new phenomena such as a different non-thermal electron process, or the interaction of relativistic protons with photons at the source.

Suggested Citation

  • M. M. González & B. L. Dingus & Y. Kaneko & R. D. Preece & C. D. Dermer & M. S. Briggs, 2003. "A γ-ray burst with a high-energy spectral component inconsistent with the synchrotron shock model," Nature, Nature, vol. 424(6950), pages 749-751, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:424:y:2003:i:6950:d:10.1038_nature01869
    DOI: 10.1038/nature01869
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