Linear and circular polarimetry observations of GRB afterglows
Abstract
Follow-up observations of large numbers of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows, facilitated by the Swift satellite, have produced a large sample of spectral energy distributions and light curves, from which the basic micro- and macrophysical parameters of afterglows may be derived. However, a number of phenomena have been observed that defy explanation by simple versions of the standard fireball model, leading to a variety of new models. Polarimetry has shown great promise as a diagnosis of afterglow physics, probing the magnetic field properties of the afterglow and geometrical effects (e.g. jet breaks). Unfortunately, high quality polarimetry of a significant sample of afterglows is difficult to acquire, requiring specialised instrumentation and observing modes. In this paper I will review the recent successes in late-time afterglow polarimetry, also showing first results of new instruments and observing campaigns. I will particularly focus on jet breaks.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1302.2083,
title = {Linear and circular polarimetry observations of GRB afterglows},
author = {K. Wiersema},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1302.2083},
year = {2015}
}
Comments
8 pages, 3 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the Gamma-Ray Burst Symposium 2012- IAA-CSIC - Marbella, editors: Castro-Tirado, A. J., Gorosabel, J. and Park, I. H