Magnetospheric interactions of binary pulsars as a model for gamma-ray bursts

I consider a model of GRBs where they arise right before the merging of binary pulsars. Binary pulsars moving through the companion’s magnetic field experience a large, motional electric field ~ E = ~v ∧ ~ B/c, which leads to the release in the pulsar magnetosphere of a pair cascade, and the acceleration of a wind of pure pairs. The energy and energy deposition rate of the wind are those of γ–ray bursts, provided the pulsars have a field ≈ 10 G. Baryon contamination is small, and dominated by tidal heating, leading to Mbaryons ≈ 10M⊙, as required by the dirty fireball model of Mèszàros, Laguna and Rees. Subject headings: gamma rays: bursts – binaries:close – stars: neutron – radiation mechanisms: nonthermal