Open AccessQuiescent times in gamma‐ray bursts – II. Dormant periods in the central engine?
Author(s) -
RamirezRuiz Enrico,
Merloni Andrea,
Rees Martin J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.2001.04413.x
Subject(s) - physics , afterglow , astrophysics , gamma ray burst , shock (circulatory) , light curve , gamma ray , x ray , astronomy , optics , medicine
Within the framework of the internal–external shocks model for γ ‐ray bursts, we study the various mechanisms that can give rise to quiescent times in the observed γ ‐ray light curves. In particular, we look for the signatures that can provide us with evidence as to whether or not the central engine goes dormant for a period of time comparable to the duration of the gaps. We show that the properties of the prompt γ ‐ray and X‐ray emission can, in principle, determine whether the quiescent episodes are caused by a modulated relativistic wind or a switching off of the central engine. We suggest that detailed observations of the prompt afterglow emission from the reverse shock will strongly constrain the possible mechanisms for the production of quiescent times in γ ‐ray bursts.