Evidence of X-Ray Plateaus Driven by the Magnetar Spindown Winds in Gamma-Ray Burst Afterglows

Abstract The central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) remains an open and cutting-edge topic in the era multimessenger astrophysics. X-ray plateaus appear some GRB afterglows, which are widely considered to originate from spindown magnetars. According stable magnetar scenario GRBs, plateau a decay phase ∼ t −2 should afterglows. Meanwhile, “normal” afterglow is produced by external shock fireball. We analyze Neil Gehrels Swift data, then find three gold samples that have superimposed on jet-driven normal component. Based these features lightcurves, we argue magnetars be engines GRBs. Future joint observations might further test this possibility, can beneficial constrain physics.