Gamma-ray burst investigation via polarimetry and spectroscopy (GRIPS)

Gamma-Ray Instrument for Polarimetry, Spectroscopy

We present an instrument concept called GIPSI that uses germanium strip detectors in an imaging system to provide narrow line sensitivity < 8:0 10 6 cm 2 s 1 at 100 keV in a 2 week exposure (3 ), and which has a point spread function (spatial resolution) of approximately 20 arc minutes rms. The germanium strip detectors also make an excellent polarimeter by capitalizing on the angular dependenc...

Gamma-ray Polarimetry *

An astrophysics application of a low noise Double-sided Silicon Strip Detector (DSSD) is described. A Semiconductor Multiple-Compton Telescope (SMCT) is being developed to explore the gamma-ray universe in the 0.1– 20 MeV energy band. Excellent energy resolution and polarization sensitivity are key features of the SMCT. We have developed prototype modules for a low noise DSSD system, which reac...

X-ray and Gamma-ray Polarimetry

Gamma-Ray Burst Afterglows

Extended, fading emissions in multi-wavelength are observed following Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Recent broadband observational campaigns led by the Swift Observatory reveal rich features of these GRB afterglows. Here we review the latest observational progress and discuss the theoretical implications for understanding the central engine, composition, and geometric configuration of GRB jets, as w...

Gamma-ray burst models.

I consider various possibilities for making gamma-ray bursts, particularly from close binaries. In addition to the much-studied neutron star+neutron star and black hole+neutron star cases usually considered good candidates for short-duration bursts, there are also other possibilities. In particular, neutron star+massive white dwarf has several desirable features. These systems are likely to pro...