A Theory of Gamma-Ray Bursts

Abstract

We present a specific scenario for the link between GRB and hypernovae, based on Blandford-Znajek extraction of black-hole spin energy. Such a mechanism requires a high angular momentum in the progenitor object. The observed association of gamma-ray bursts with type Ibc supernovae leads us to consider massive helium stars that form black holes at the end of their lives as progenitors. We combine the numerical work of MacFadyen & Woosley with analytic calculations, to show that about 1E53 erg each are available to drive the fast GRB ejecta and the supernova. The GRB ejecta are driven by the power output through the open field lines, whereas the supernova is powered by closed filed lines and jet shocks. We also present a much simplified approximate derivation of these energetics. Helium stars that leave massive black-hole remnants in special ways, namely via soft X-ray transients or very massive WNL stars. Since binaries naturally have high angular momentum, we propose a link between black-hole transients and gamma-ray bursts. Recent observations of one such transient, GRO J1655-40/Nova Scorpii 1994, explicitly support this connection: its high space velocity indicates that substantial mass was ejected in the formation of the black hole, and the overabundance of alpha-nuclei, especially sulphur, indicates that the explosion energy was extreme, as in SN 1998bw/GRB 980425. (abstract shortened)