The Blast Energy Efficiency of GRBs

Abstract

Using data mostly assembled by previous authors, we consider the linear correlation between the apparent radiative efficiency $ε_γ$ (defined as the ratio of isotropic equivalent radiative output to inferred isotropic equivalent kinetic energy of the blast) and $E_{peak}^α$ where $1.4<α<2$, for 17 of 22 GRBs (Lloyd-Ronning and Zhang, 2004). We note in a quantitative manner that this is consistent with the hypothesis that $ε_γ$ and $E_{peak}$ are influenced by viewing angle. We suggest a more general theoretically derived expression for this correlation that could be tested with a richer data set. If the reduction in both $ε_γ$ and $E_{peak}$ is due to viewing angle effects, then the actual radiative efficiency is $\sim 7$. We also find preliminary evidence (with a small sample) for a separate class of weak GRB afterglows.