arXiv subjects

J. A. Rueda

Publications and source records attributed to J. A. Rueda.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

On the universal late X-ray emission of binary-driven hypernovae and its possible collimation

It has previously been discovered that there is a universal power law behavior exhibited by the late X-ray emission (LXRE) of a "golden sample" (GS) of six long energetic GRBs, when observed in the rest-frame of the source. This remarkable feature, independent of the different isotropic energy (E_iso) of each GRB, has been used to estimate the cosmological redshift of some long GRBs. This analysis is extended here to a new class of 161 long GRBs, all with E_iso > 10^52 erg. These GRBs are indicated as binary-driven hypernovae (BdHNe) in view of their progenitors: a tight binary system composed of a carbon-oxygen core (CO_core) and a neutron star undergoing an induced gravitational collapse (IGC) to a black hole triggered by the CO_core explosion as a supernova (SN). We confirm the universal behavior of the LXRE for the "enlarged sample" (ES) of 161 BdHNe observed up to the end of 2015, assuming a double-cone emitting region. We obtain a distribution of half-opening angles peaking at 17.62 degrees, with a mean value of 30.05 degrees, and a standard deviation of 19.65 degrees. This, in turn, leads to the possible establishment of a new cosmological candle. Within the IGC model, such universal LXRE behavior is only indirectly related to the GRB and originates from the SN ejecta, of a standard constant mass, being shocked by the GRB emission. The fulfillment of the universal relation in the LXRE and its independence of the prompt emission, further confirmed in this article, establishes a crucial test for any viable GRB model.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

On the classification of GRBs and their occurrence rates

There is mounting evidence for the binary nature of the progenitors of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). For a long GRB, the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm proposes as progenitor, or "in-state", a tight binary system composed of a carbon-oxygen core (CO$_{core}$) undergoing a supernova (SN) explosion which triggers hypercritical accretion onto a neutron star (NS) companion. For a short GRB, a NS-NS merger is traditionally adopted as the progenitor. We divide long and short GRBs into two sub-classes, depending on whether or not a black hole (BH) is formed in the merger or in the hypercritical accretion process exceeding the NS critical mass. For long bursts, when no BH is formed we have the sub-class of X-ray flashes (XRFs), with isotropic energy $E_{iso}\lesssim10^{52}$ erg and rest-frame spectral peak energy $E_{p,i}\lesssim200$ keV. When a BH is formed we have the sub-class of binary-driven hypernovae (BdHNe), with $E_{iso}\gtrsim10^{52}$ erg and $E_{p,i}\gtrsim200$ keV. In analogy, short bursts are similarly divided into two sub-classes. When no BH is formed, short gamma-ray flashes (S-GRFs) occur, with $E_{iso}\lesssim10^{52}$ erg and $E_{p,i}\lesssim2$ MeV. When a BH is formed, the authentic short GRBs (S-GRBs) occur, with $E_{iso}\gtrsim10^{52}$ erg and $E_{p,i}\gtrsim2$ MeV. We give examples and observational signatures of these four sub-classes and their rate of occurrence. From their respective rates it is possible that "in-states" of S-GRFs and S-GRBs originate from the "out-states" of XRFs. We indicate two additional progenitor systems: white dwarf-NS and BH-NS. These systems have hybrid features between long and short bursts. In the case of S-GRBs and BdHNe evidence is given of the coincidence of the onset of the high energy GeV emission with the birth of a Kerr BH.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

On the induced gravitational collapse scenario of gamma-ray bursts associated with supernovae

Following the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) associated with type Ib/c supernovae, we present numerical simulations of the explosion of a carbon-oxygen (CO) core in a binary system with a neutron-star (NS) companion. The supernova ejecta trigger a \emph{hypercritical} accretion process onto the NS thanks to a copious neutrino emission and the trapping of photons within the accretion flow. We show that temperatures 1--10~MeV develop near the NS surface, hence electron-positron annihilation into neutrinos becomes the main cooling channel leading to accretion rates $10^{-9}$--$10^{-1}~M_\odot$~s$^{-1}$ and neutrino luminosities $10^{43}$--$10^{52}$~erg~s$^{-1}$ (the shorter the orbital period the higher the accretion rate). We estimate the maximum orbital period, $P_{\rm max}$, as a function of the NS initial mass, up to which the NS companion can reach by hypercritical accretion the critical mass for gravitational collapse leading to black-hole (BH) formation. We then estimate the effects of the accreting and orbiting NS companion onto a novel geometry of the supernova ejecta density profile. We present the results of a $1.4\times 10^7$~particle simulation which show that the NS induces accentuated asymmetries in the ejecta density around the orbital plane. We elaborate on the observables associated with the above features of the IGC process. We apply this framework to specific GRBs: we find that X-ray flashes (XRFs) and binary-driven hypernovae (BdHNe) are produced in binaries with $P>P_{\rm max}$ and $P < P_{\rm max}$, respectively. We analyze in detail the case of XRF 060218.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

GRB 090510: a genuine short-GRB from a binary neutron star coalescing into a Kerr-Newman black hole

In a new classification of merging binary neutron stars (NSs) we separate short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in two sub-classes. The ones with $E_{iso}\lesssim10^{52}$ erg coalesce to form a massive NS and are indicated as short gamma-ray flashes (S-GRFs). The hardest, with $E_{iso}\gtrsim10^{52}$ erg, coalesce to form a black hole (BH) and are indicated as genuine short-GRBs (S-GRBs). Within the fireshell model, S-GRBs exhibit three different components: the P-GRB emission, observed at the transparency of a self-accelerating baryon-$e^+e^-$ plasma; the prompt emission, originating from the interaction of the accelerated baryons with the circumburst medium; the high-energy (GeV) emission, observed after the P-GRB and indicating the formation of a BH. GRB 090510 gives the first evidence for the formation of a Kerr BH or, possibly, a Kerr-Newman BH. Its P-GRB spectrum can be fitted by a convolution of thermal spectra whose origin can be traced back to an axially symmetric dyadotorus. A large value of the angular momentum of the newborn BH is consistent with the large energetics of this S-GRB, which reach in the 1--10000 keV range $E_{iso}=(3.95\pm0.21)\times10^{52}$ erg and in the 0.1--100 GeV range $E_{LAT}=(5.78\pm0.60)\times10^{52}$ erg, the most energetic GeV emission ever observed in S-GRBs. The theoretical redshift $z_{th}=0.75\pm0.17$ that we derive from the fireshell theory is consistent with the spectroscopic measurement $z=0.903\pm0.003$, showing the self-consistency of the theoretical approach. All S-GRBs exhibit GeV emission, when inside the Fermi-LAT field of view, unlike S-GRFs, which never evidence it. The GeV emission appears to be the discriminant for the formation of a BH in GRBs, confirmed by their observed overall energetics.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

What can we really infer from GW 150914?

We analyze the event GW 150914 announced by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) as the gravitational-wave emission of a black-hole binary merger. We show that the parameters of the coalescing system and of the newly formed Kerr black-hole can be extracted from basic results of the gravitational-wave emission during the inspiraling and merger phases without sophisticated numerical simulations. Our strikingly accurate estimates are based on textbook formulas describing two different regimes: 1) the binary inspiraling analysis treated in Landau and Lifshitz textbook, and 2) the plunge of a particle into a black-hole, treated in the Rees-Ruffini-Wheeler textbook. It is stressed that in order to infer any astrophysical information on the masses of the system both regimes have to be independently and observationally constrained by LIGO, which does not appear to be the case.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

What can we really infer from GW 150914? (II)

In a recent letter we have outlined some issues on GW 150914, we hereby give additional details. We analyze the event GW 150914 announced by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) as the gravitational-wave emission of a black-hole binary merger. We show that the parameters of the coalescing system and of the newly formed Kerr black-hole can be extracted from basic results of the gravitational-wave emission during the inspiraling and merger phases without sophisticate numerical simulations. Our strikingly accurate estimates are based on textbook formulas describing two different regimes: 1) the binary inspiraling analysis treated in Landau and Lifshitz textbook, 2) the plunge of a particle into a black-hole, treated in the Rees-Ruffini-Wheeler textbook as well as 3) the transition between these two regimes following Detweiler's treatment of a particle infalling with non-zero angular momentum onto a black-hole. It is stressed that in order to infer any astrophysical information on the masses of the system both regimes have to be independently and observationally constrained by LIGO, which does not appear to be the case.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

The role of self-interacting right-handed neutrinos in galactic structure

It has been shown previously that the DM in galactic halos can be explained by a self-gravitating system of massive keV fermions (`inos') in thermodynamic equilibrium, and predicted the existence of a denser quantum core of inos towards the center of galaxies. In this article we show that the inclusion of self-interactions among the inos, modeled within a relativistic mean-field-theory approach, allows the quantum core to become massive and compact enough to explain the dynamics of the S-cluster stars closest to the Milky Way's galactic center. The application of this model to other galaxies such as large elliptical harboring massive central dark objects of $\sim 10^9 M_\odot$ is also investigated. We identify these interacting inos with sterile right-handed neutrinos pertaining to minimal extensions of the Standard Model, and calculate the corresponding total cross-section $σ$ within an electroweak-like formalism to be compared with other observationally inferred cross-section estimates. The coincidence of an ino mass range of few tens of keV derived here only from the galactic structure, with the range obtained independently from other astrophysical and cosmological constraints, points towards an important role of the right-handed neutrinos in the cosmic structure.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

On the Neutron Star-Black Hole Binaries Produced by Binary-driven-Hypernovae

Binary-driven-hypernovae (BdHNe) within the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm have been introduced to explain energetic ($E_{\rm iso}\gtrsim 10^{52}$~erg), long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) associated with type Ic supernovae (SNe). The progenitor is a tight binary composed of a carbon-oxygen (CO) core and a neutron star (NS) companion, a subclass of the newly proposed "ultra-stripped" binaries. The CO-NS short-period orbit causes the NS to accrete appriciable matter from the SN ejecta when the CO core collapses, ultimately causing it to collapse to a black hole (BH) and producing a GRB. These tight binaries evolve through the SN explosion very differently than compact binaries studied in population synthesis calculations. First, the hypercritical accretion onto the NS companion alters both the mass and momentum of the binary. Second, because the explosion timescale is on par with the orbital period, the mass ejection can not be assumed to be instantaneous. This dramatically affects the post-SN fate of the binary. Finally, the bow shock created as the accreting NS plows through the SN ejecta transfers angular momentum, braking the orbit. These systems remain bound even if a large fraction of the binary mass is lost in the explosion (well above the canonical 50\% limit), and even large kicks are unlikely to unbind the system. Indeed, BdHNe produce a new family of NS-BH binaries unaccounted for in current population synthesis analyses and, although they may be rare, the fact that nearly 100\% remain bound implies they may play an important role in the compact merger rate, important for gravitational waves (GWs) that, in turn, can produce a new class of ultrashort GRBs.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

GRB 140619B: a short GRB from a binary neutron star merger leading to black hole formation

We show the existence of two families of short GRBs, both originating from the merger of binary neutron stars (NSs): family-1 with $E_{iso}<10^{52}$ erg, leading to a massive NS as the merged core, and family-2 with $E_{iso}>10^{52}$ erg, leading to a black hole (BH). Following the identification of the prototype GRB 090227B, we present the details of a new example of family-2 short burst: GRB 140619B. From the spectral analysis of the early $\sim0.2$ s, we infer an observed temperature $kT =(324\pm33)$ keV of the $e^+e^-$-plasma at transparency (P-GRB), a theoretically derived redshift $z=2.67\pm0.37$, a total burst energy $E^{tot}_{e^+e^-}=(6.03\pm0.79)\times10^{52}$ erg, a rest-frame peak energy $E_{p,i}=4.7$ MeV, and a baryon load $B=(5.52\pm0.73)\times10^{-5}$. We also estimate the corresponding emission of gravitational waves. Two additional examples of family-2 short bursts are identified: GRB 081024B and GRB 090510, remarkable for its well determined cosmological distance. We show that marked differences exist in the nature of the afterglows of these two families of short bursts: family-2 bursts, leading to BH formation, consistently exhibit high energy emission following the P-GRB emission; family-1 bursts, leading to the formation of a massive NS, should never exhibit high energy emission. We also show that both the families fulfill an $E_{p,i}$--$E_{iso}$ relation with slope $γ=0.59\pm0.07$ and a normalization constant incompatible with the one for long GRBs. The observed rate of such family-2 events is $ρ_0=\left(2.1^{+2.8}_{-1.4}\right)\times10^{-4}$Gpc$^{-3}$yr$^{-1}$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

On the core-halo distribution of dark matter in galaxies

We investigate the distribution of dark matter in galaxies by solving the equations of equilibrium of a self-gravitating system of massive fermions (`inos') at selected temperatures and degeneracy parameters within general relativity. Our most general solutions show, as a function of the radius, a segregation of three physical regimes: 1) an inner core of almost constant density governed by degenerate quantum statistics; 2) an intermediate region with a sharply decreasing density distribution followed by an extended plateau, implying quantum corrections; 3) an asymptotic, $ρ\propto r^{-2}$ classical Boltzmann regime fulfilling, as an eigenvalue problem, a fixed value of the flat rotation curves. This eigenvalue problem determines, for each value of the central degeneracy parameter, the mass of the ino as well as the radius and mass of the inner quantum core. Consequences of this alternative approach to the central and halo regions of galaxies, ranging from dwarf to big spirals, for SgrA*, as well as for the existing estimates of the ino mass, are outlined.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

GRB 130427A and SN 2013cq: A Multi-wavelength Analysis of An Induced Gravitational Collapse Event

We have performed our data analysis of the observations by Swift and Fermi satellites in order to probe the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm for GRBs associated with supernovae (SNe), in the "terra incognita" of GRB 130427A. We compare and contrast our data analysis with those in the literature. We have verified that the GRB 130427A conforms to the IGC paradigm by examining the power law behavior of the luminosity in the early $10^4$ s of the Swift-XRT observations. This has led to the successful prediction of the occurrence of SN 2013cq and to the identification of the four different episodes of the "binary driven hypernovae" (BdHNe). The exceptional quality of the data has allowed the identification of novel features in Episode 3 including: a) the confirmation and the extension of the existence of the recently discovered "nested structure" in the late X-ray luminosity in GRB 130427A, as well as the identification of a spiky structure at $10^2$ s in the cosmological rest-frame of the source; b) a power law emission of the GeV luminosity light curve and its onset at the end of Episode 2 c) different Lorentz $Γ$ factors for the emitting regions of the X-ray and GeV emissions in this Episode 3. These results make it possible to test the details of the physical and astrophysical regimes at work in the BdHNe: 1) a newly born neutron star and the supernova ejecta, originating in Episode 1, 2) a newly formed black hole originating in Episode 2, and 3) the possible interaction among these components, observable in the standard features of Episode 3.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2014

Dynamical instability of white dwarfs and breaking of spherical symmetry under the presence of extreme magnetic fields

Massive, highly magnetized white dwarfs with fields up to $10^9$ G have been observed and theoretically used for the description of a variety of astrophysical phenomena. Ultramagnetized white dwarfs with uniform interior fields up to $10^{18}$ G, have been recently purported to obey a new maximum mass limit, $M_{\rm max}\approx 2.58~M_\odot$, which largely overcomes the traditional Chandrasekhar value, $M_{\rm Ch}\approx 1.44~M_\odot$. Such a much larger limit would make these astrophysical objects viable candidates for the explanation of the superluminous population of type Ia supernovae. We show that several macro and micro physical aspects such as gravitational, dynamical stability, breaking of spherical symmetry, general relativity, inverse $β$-decay, and pycnonuclear fusion reactions are of most relevance for the self-consistent description of the structure and assessment of stability of these objects. It is shown in this work that the first family of magnetized white dwarfs indeed satisfy all the criteria of stability, while the ultramagnetized white dwarfs are very unlikely to exist in nature since they violate minimal requests of stability. Therefore, the canonical Chandrasekhar mass limit of white dwarfs has to be still applied.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

Induced gravitational collapse at extreme cosmological distances: the case of GRB 090423

CONTEXT: The induced gravitational collapse (IGC) scenario has been introduced in order to explain the most energetic gamma ray bursts (GRBs), Eiso=10^{52}-10^{54}erg, associated with type Ib/c supernovae (SNe). It has led to the concept of binary-driven hypernovae (BdHNe) originating in a tight binary system composed by a FeCO core on the verge of a SN explosion and a companion neutron star (NS). Their evolution is characterized by a rapid sequence of events: [...]. AIMS: We investigate whether GRB 090423, one of the farthest observed GRB at z=8.2, is a member of the BdHN family. METHODS: We compare and contrast the spectra, the luminosity evolution and the detectability in the observations by Swift of GRB 090423 with the corresponding ones of the best known BdHN case, GRB 090618. RESULTS: Identification of constant slope power-law behavior in the late X-ray emission of GRB 090423 and its overlapping with the corresponding one in GRB 090618, measured in a common rest frame, represents the main result of this article. This result represents a very significant step on the way to using the scaling law properties, proven in Episode 3 of this BdHN family, as a cosmological standard candle. CONCLUSIONS: Having identified GRB 090423 as a member of the BdHN family, we can conclude that SN events, leading to NS formation, can already occur already at z=8.2, namely at 650 Myr after the Big Bang. It is then possible that these BdHNe originate stem from 40-60 M_{\odot} binaries. They are probing the Population II stars after the completion and possible disappearance of Population III stars.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2014

On Binary Driven Hypernovae and their nested late X-ray emission

Context: The induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm addresses the very energetic (10^{52}-10^{54}erg) long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) associated to supernovae (SNe). Unlike the traditional "collapsar" model, an evolved FeCO core with a companion neutron star (NS) in a tight binary system is considered as the progenitor. This special class of sources, here named "binary driven hypernovae" (BdHNe), presents a composite sequence composed of four different episodes [...]. Aims: We first compare and contrast the steep decay, the plateau and the power-law decay of the X-ray luminosities of three selected BdHNe [...]. Second, to explain the different sizes and Lorentz factors of the emitting regions of the four Episodes, [...]. Finally, we show the possible role of r-process, which originates in the binary system of the progenitor.. Methods: We compare and contrast the late X-ray luminosity of the above three BdHNe. We examine correlations between the time at the starting point of the constant late power-law decay, t^*_a, the average prompt luminosity, , and the luminosity at the end of the plateau, L_a. We analyze a thermal emission (~0.97-0.29 keV), observed during the X-ray steep decay phase of GRB 090618. Results: The late X-ray luminosities of the three BdHNe [...] show a precisely constrained "nested" structure [...]. Conclusions: We confirm a constant slope power-law behavior for the late X-ray luminosity in the source rest-frame, which may lead to a new distance indicator for BdHNe. These results, as well as the emitter size and Lorentz factor, appear to be inconsistent with the traditional afterglow model based on synchrotron emission from an ultra-relativistic [...] collimated jet outflow. We argue, instead, for the possible role of r-process, originating in the binary system, to power the mildly relativistic X-ray source.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

A white dwarf merger as progenitor of the anomalous X-ray pulsar 4U 0142+61?

It has been recently proposed that massive fast-rotating highly-magnetized white dwarfs could describe the observational properties of some of Soft Gamma-Ray Repeaters (SGRs) and Anomalous X-Ray Pulsars (AXPs). Moreover, it has also been shown that high-field magnetic (HFMWDs) can be the outcome of white dwarf binary mergers. The products of these mergers consist of a hot central white dwarf surrounded by a rapidly rotating disk. Here we show that the merger of a double degenerate system can explain the characteristics of the peculiar AXP 4U 0142+61. This scenario accounts for the observed infrared excess. We also show that the observed properties of 4U 0142+6 are consistent with an approximately $1.2 M_{\sun}$ white dwarf, remnant of the coalescence of an original system made of two white dwarfs of masses $0.6\, M_{\sun}$ and $1.0\, M_{\sun}$. Finally, we infer a post-merging age $τ_{\rm WD}\approx 64$ kyr, and a magnetic field $B\approx 2\times 10^8$ G. Evidence for such a magnetic field may come from the possible detection of the electron cyclotron absorption feature observed between the $B$ and $V$ bands at $\approx 10^{15}$ Hz in the spectrum of 4U 0142+61.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

Novel distance indicator for gamma-ray bursts associated with supernovae

Context. It has been proposed that the temporal coincidence of a gamma-ray burst (GRB) and a type Ib/c supernova (SN) can be explained with the concept of induced gravitational collapse (IGC), induced by the matter ejected from an SN Ib/c accreting onto a neutron star (NS). The NS is expected to reach the critical mass necessary for it to collapse to a black hole (BH) and emit a GRB. We found a standard luminosity light curve behavior in the late-time X-ray emission of this subclass of GRBs. Aims. We test if this standard behavior in the luminosity found in this subclass of GRBs can become a redshift estimator of these sources. Methods. We selected a sample of GRBs that belong to this subclass of IGC GRBs associated to an SN (IGC GRB-SN sources). These sources have an isotropic energy $E_{iso} > 10^{52}$ erg and their cosmological redshifts are in the range of $z = 0.49-1.261$. We focused on the corresponding X-ray luminosity light curves. Results. We find that all GRBs of the sample with measured redshift present a standard luminosity late-time light curve in the $0.3-10$ keV rest-frame energy range. We used these results to estimate the GRB redshift of the sample without a measured redshift and found results consistent with other possible redshift indicators. Conclusions. The standard late-time X-ray luminosity light curve of all GRBs of the sample shows a common physical mechanism in this particular phase of the X-ray emission, possibly related to the creation of the NS from the SN process. This scaling law moreover represents strong evidence of very low or even absent beaming in this late phase of the X-ray afterglow emission process. This could be a fundamental tool for estimating the redshift of GRBs that belong to this subclass of events. We are currently expanding this subclass of GRBs to further verify the universal validity of this new redshift estimation method.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

A common behavior in the late X-ray afterglow of energetic GRB-SN systems

The possibility to divide GRBs in different subclasses allow to understand better the physics underlying their emission mechanisms and progenitors. The induced gravitational collapse scenario proposes a binary progenitor to explain the time-sequence in GRBs-SNe. We show the existence of a common behavior of the late decay of the X-ray afterglow emission of this subclass of GRBs, pointing to a common physical mechanism of their late emission, consistent with the IGC picture.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2006

Frame dragging, vorticity and electromagnetic fields in axially symmetric stationary spacetimes

We present a general study about the relation between the vorticity tensor and the Poynting vector of the electromagnetic field for axially symmetric stationary electrovacuum metrics. The obtained expressions allow to understand the role of the Poynting vector in the dragging of inertial frames. The particular case of the rotating massive charged magnetic dipole is analyzed in detail. In addition, the electric and magnetic parts of the Weyl tensor are calculated and the link between the later and the vorticity is established. Then we show that, in the vacuum case, the necessary and sufficient condition for the vanishing of the magnetic part is that the spacetime be static.

gr-qc↗