arXiv subjects

Remo Ruffini

Publications and source records attributed to Remo Ruffini.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Black Holes, Supernovae and Gamma Ray Bursts

We review recent progress in our understanding of the nature of gamma ray bursts (GRBs) and in particular, of the relationship between short GRBs and long GRBs. The first example of a short GRB is described. The coincidental occurrence of a GRB with a supernova (SN) is explained within the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm, following the sequence: 1) an initial binary system consists of a compact carbon-oxygen (CO) core star and a neutron star (NS); 2) the CO core explodes as a SN, and part of the SN ejecta accretes onto the NS which reaches its critical mass and collapses to a black hole (BH) giving rise to a GRB; 3) a new NS is generated by the SN as a remnant. The observational consequences of this scenario are outlined.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

On a novel distance indicator for Gamma-Ray Bursts associated with Supernovae

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). We found a standard luminosity light curve behavior in the late-time X-ray emission of this subclass of GRBs. We interpret this as the result of 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. Moreover, this scaling law could be a fundamental tool for estimating the redshift of GRBs that belong to this subclass of events.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Gravitational and electric energies in the collapse of a spherical thin-shell capacitor

We adopt a simplified model describing the collapse of a spherical thin-shell capacitor to give an analytical description how gravitational energy is converted to both kinetic and electric energies in the gravitational collapse. It is shown that (i) averaged kinetic and electric energies are the same order, about an half of gravitational energy of spherical thin-shell capacitor in the collapse; (ii) caused by radiating and rebuilding electric energy, the gravitational collapse undergoes a sequence of "on and off" hopping steps in the microscopic Compton scale. Although the collapse process is still continuous in terms of macroscopic scales, it is slowed down as the kinetic energy is reduced and collapsing time is about an order of magnitude larger than that of the collapse process eliminating electric processes.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Equatorial circular orbits of neutral test particles in the Kerr--Newman spacetime

We present a detailed analysis of the orbital circular motion of electrically neutral test particles on the equatorial plane of the Kerr-Newman spacetime. Many details of the motion in the cases of black hole and naked singularity sources are pointed out. We identify four different types of orbital regions, which depend on the properties of the orbital angular momentum, and define four different kinds of naked singularities, according to the values of the charge-to-mass ratio of the source. It is shown that the presence of a particular type of counter-rotating test particles is sufficient to uniquely identify naked singularities. It is pointed out that the structure of the stability regions can be used to differentiate between black holes and naked singularities.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Equatorial Circular Geodesics in the Hartle-Thorne Spacetime

We investigate the influence of the quadrupole moment of a rotating source on the motion of a test particle in the strong field regime. For this purpose the Hartle-Thorne metric, that is an approximate solution of vacuum Einstein field equations that describes the exterior of any slowly rotating, stationary and axially symmetric body, is used. The metric is given with accuracy up to the second order terms in the body's angular momentum, and first order terms in its quadrupole moment. We give, with the same accuracy, analytic equations for equatorial circular geodesics in the Hartle-Thorne spacetime and integrate them numerically.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

On charged boson stars

We study static, spherically symmetric, self-gravitating systems minimally coupled to a scalar field with U(1) gauge symmetry: charged boson stars. We find numerical solutions to the EinsteinMaxwell equations coupled to the relativistic Klein-Gordon equation. It is shown that bound stable configurations exist only for values of the coupling constant less than or equal to a certain critical value. The metric coefficients and the relevant physical quantities such as the total mass and charge, turn out to be in general bound functions of the radial coordinate, reaching their maximum values at a critical value of the scalar field at the origin. We discuss the stability problem both from the quantitative and qualitative point of view. Taking properly into account the electromagnetic contribution to the total mass, the stability issue is faced also following an indication of the binding energy per particle, verifying then the existence of configurations having positive binding energy: objects apparently bound can be unstable against small perturbations, in full analogy with what observed in the mass-radius relation of neutron stars.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Electron-positron plasma in GRBs and in cosmology

Electron-positron plasma is believed to play imporant role both in the early Universe and in sources of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). We focus on analogy and difference between physical conditions of electron-positron plasma in the early Universe and in sources of GRBs. We discuss a) dynamical differences, namely thermal acceleration of the outflow in GRB sources vs cosmological deceleration; b) nuclear composition differences as synthesis of light elements in the early Universe and possible destruction of heavy elements in GRB plasma; c) different physical conditions during last scattering of photons by electrons. Only during the acceleration phase of the optically thick electron-positron plasma comoving observer may find it similar to the early Universe. This similarity breaks down during the coasting phase. Reprocessing of nuclear abundances may likely take place in GRB sources. Heavy nuclear elements are then destroyed, resulting mainly in protons with small admixture of helium. Unlike the primordial plasma which recombines to form neutral hydrogen, and emits the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, GRB plasma does not cool down enough to recombine.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2013

Phase space evolution of pairs created in strong electric fields

We study the process of energy conversion from overcritical electric field into electron-positron-photon plasma. We solve numerically Vlasov-Boltzmann equations for pairs and photons assuming the system to be homogeneous and anisotropic. All the 2-particle QED interactions between pairs and photons are described by collision terms. We evidence several epochs of this energy conversion, each of them associated to a specific physical process. Firstly pair creation occurs, secondly back reaction results in plasma oscillations. Thirdly photons are produced by electron-positron annihilation. Finally particle interactions lead to completely equilibrated thermal electron-positron-photon plasma.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2013

GRB 110709B in the Induced Gravitational Collapse paradigm

Context: GRB110709B is the first source for which Swift BAT triggered twice, with a time separation of ~10 min. The first emission (Ep. 1) goes from 40s before the 1° trigger up to 60s after it. The second (Ep. 2) goes from 35s before the 2° trigger to 100s after it.[...] Within the Induced Gravitational Collapse (IGC) model, we assume the progenitor to be a close binary system composed of a core of an evolved star and a Neutron Star (NS). The evolved star explodes as a Supernova (SN) and ejects material that is partially accreted by the NS. We identify this process with Ep. 1. The accretion process brings the NS over its critical mass, thus gravitationally collapsing to a BH. This process leads to the GRB emission, Ep. 2.[...] Aims: We analyze the spectra and time variability of Ep. 1 and 2 and compute the relevant parameters of the binary progenitor[...] in the IGC paradigm. Methods: We perform a time-resolved spectral analysis of Ep. 1 with a blackbody (BB) plus a power-law (PL) spectral model. We analyze Ep. 2 within the Fireshell model, identifying the Proper-GRB (P-GRB) and simulating the light curve and spectrum. We establish the redshift to be z=0.75 [...]. Results: We find for Ep. 1 a BB temperature following a broken PL with time, with the PL slopes at early and late times α=0 and β=-4+/-2, respectively, and a break at t=41.21s. The total energy of Ep. 1 and 2 are E_{iso}^1=1.42x10^{53}erg and E_{iso}^2=2.43x10^{52}erg, respectively. We find at transparency a Lorentz factor Γ~173, laboratory radius of 6.04x10^{13}cm, P-GRB observed temperature kT_{P-GRB}=12.36keV, baryon load B=0.0057 and P-GRB energy E_{P-GRB}=3.44x10^{50}erg. [...] Conclusions: We interpret GRB110709B as a member of the IGC sources, together with GRB970828, GRB090618 and GRB101023. The XRT data during Ep. 2 offers an unprecedented tool for improving the diagnostic of GRBs emission.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

GRB 090227B: the missing link between the genuine short and long GRBs

The time-resolved spectral analysis of GRB090227B, made possible by the Fermi-GBM data, allows to identify in this source the missing link between the genuine short and long GRBs. Within the Fireshell model [...] we predict genuine short GRBs: bursts with the same inner engine of the long bursts but endowed with a severely low value of the Baryon load, B<~5x10^{-5}. A first energetically predominant emission occurs at the transparency of the e+e- plasma, the Proper-GRB (P-GRB), followed by a softer emission, the extended afterglow. The typical separation between the two emissions is expected to be [...] 10^{-3}-10^{-2}s. We identify the P-GRB [...] in the first 96ms of emission, where a thermal component with [...] kT=(517+/-28)keV and a flux comparable with the non thermal part of the spectrum is observed. This non thermal component as well as the subsequent emission, where there is no evidence for a thermal spectrum, is identified with the extended afterglow. We deduce a theoretical cosmological redshift z=1.61+/-0.14. We then derive the total energy E^{tot}_{e+e-}=(2.83+/-0.15)x10^{53}erg, [...] B=(4.13+/-0.05)x10^{-5}, the Lorentz factor at transparency Γ_tr=(1.44+/-0.01)x10^4, and the intrinsic duration Δt'~0.35s. We also determine the average density of the CircumBurst Medium (CBM), =(1.90+/-0.20)x10^{-5} #/cm^3. There is no evidence of beaming in the system. In view of the energetics and of the Baryon load of the source, as well as of the low interstellar medium and of the intrinsic time scale of the signal, we identify the GRB progenitor as a binary neutron star. From the recent progress in the theory of neutron stars, we obtain masses of the stars m_1=m_2=1.34M_Sun and their corresponding radii R_1=R_2=12.24km and thickness of their crusts ~0.47km, consistent with the above values of the Baryon load, of the energetics and of the time duration of the event.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2012

On Nuclear Matter Cores and Their Applications

We review recent series of articles considering electromagnetic effects in self-gravitating systems of nuclear matter. The results find their explicit application within the theory of neutron stars.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2012

On the Maximum Mass of General Relativistic Uniformly Rotating White Dwarfs

The properties of uniformly rotating white dwarfs are analyzed within the framework of general relativity. Hartle's formalism is applied to construct self-consistently the internal and external solutions to the Einstein equations. The mass, the radius, the moment of inertia and quadrupole moment of rotating white dwarfs have been calculated as a function of both the central density and rotation period of the star. The maximum mass of rotating white dwarfs for stable configurations has been obtained.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2012

On general relativistic uniformly rotating white dwarfs

The properties of uniformly rotating white dwarfs (RWDs) are analyzed within the framework of general relativity. Hartle's formalism is applied to construct the internal and external solutions to the Einstein equations. The WD matter is described by the relativistic Feynman-Metropolis-Teller equation of state which generalizes the Salpeter's one by taking into account the finite size of the nuclei, the Coulomb interactions as well as electroweak equilibrium in a self-consistent relativistic fashion. The mass $M$, radius $R$, angular momentum $J$, eccentricity $ε$, and quadrupole moment $Q$ of RWDs are calculated as a function of the central density $ρ_c$ and rotation angular velocity $Ω$. We construct the region of stability of RWDs ($J$-$M$ plane) taking into account the mass-shedding limit, inverse $β$-decay instability, and the boundary established by the turning-points of constant $J$ sequences which separates stable from secularly unstable configurations. We found the minimum rotation periods $\sim 0.3$, 0.5, 0.7 and 2.2 seconds and maximum masses $\sim 1.500$, 1.474, 1.467, 1.202 $M_\odot$ for $^{4}$He, $^{12}$C, $^{16}$O, and $^{56}$Fe WDs respectively. By using the turning-point method we found that RWDs can indeed be axisymmetrically unstable and we give the range of WD parameters where it occurs. We also construct constant rest-mass evolution tracks of RWDs at fixed chemical composition and show that, by loosing angular momentum, sub-Chandrasekhar RWDs (mass smaller than maximum static one) can experience both spin-up and spin-down epochs depending on their initial mass and rotation period while, super-Chandrasekhar RWDs (mass larger than maximum static one), only spin-up.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2012

Gravitational field of compact objects in general relativity

We study some exact and approximate solutions of Einstein's equations that can be used to describe the gravitational field of astrophysical compact objects in the limiting case of slow rotation and slight deformation. First, we show that none of the standard models obtained by using Fock's method can be used as an interior source for the approximate exterior Kerr solution. We then use Fock's method to derive a generalized interior solution, and also an exterior solution that turns out to be equivalent to the exterior Hartle-Thorne approximate solution that, in turn, is equivalent to an approximate limiting case of the exact Quevedo-Mashhoon solution. As a result we obtain an analytic approximate solution that describes the interior and exterior gravitational field of a slowly rotating and slightly deformed astrophysical object.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Electron and positron pair production of compact stars

Neutral stellar core at or over nuclear densities is described by a positive charged baryon core and negative charged electron fluid since they possess different masses and interactions. Based on a simplified model of a gravitationally collapsing or pulsating baryon core, we approximately integrate the Einstein-Maxwell equations and the equations for the number and energy-momentum conservation of complete degenerate electron fluid. We show possible electric processes that lead to the production of electron-positron pairs in the boundary of a baryon core and calculate the number and energy of electron-positron pairs. This can be relevant for understanding the energetic sources of supernovae and gamma-ray bursts.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2012

On the Induced Gravitational Collapse of a Neutron Star to a Black Hole by a Type Ib/c Supernova

It is understood that the Supernovae (SNe) associated to Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) are of type Ib/c. The temporal coincidence of the GRB and the SN represents still a major enigma of Relativistic Astrophysics. We elaborate here, from the earlier paradigm, that the concept of induced gravitational collapse is essential to explain the GRB-SN connection. The specific case of a close (orbital period <1 h) binary system composed of an evolved star with a Neutron Star (NS) companion is considered. We evaluate the accretion rate onto the NS of the material expelled from the explosion of the core progenitor as a type Ib/c SN, and give the explicit expression of the accreted mass as a function of the nature of the components and binary parameters. We show that the NS can reach, in a few seconds, the critical mass and consequently gravitationally collapses to a Black Hole. This gravitational collapse process leads to the emission of the GRB.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2012

Analysis of GRB 080319B and GRB 050904 within the fireshell model: evidence for a broader spectral energy distribution

(Shortened) GRB080319B, with an isotropic energy E_{iso}=1.32x10^{54}erg, and GRB050904, with E_{iso}=1.04x10^{54}erg, offer the possibility of studying the spectral properties of the prompt radiation of two of the most energetic Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). This allows us to probe the validity of the fireshell model for GRBs beyond 10^{54}erg, well outside the energy range where it has been successfully tested up to now (10^{49}-10^{53}erg). We find that in the low energy region, the prompt emission spectra observed by Swift BAT reveals more power than theoretically predicted. The opportunities offered by these observations to improve the fireshell model are outlined. One of the distinguishing features of the fireshell model is that it relates the observed spectra to the spectrum in the comoving frame of the fireshell. Originally, a fully radiative condition and a comoving thermal spectrum were adopted. An additional power-law in the comoving thermal spectrum is required [...] in the fireshell model for GRBs 080319B and 050904. A new phenomenological parameter αis correspondingly introduced in the model. We perform numerical simulations of the prompt emission in the Swift BAT bandpass by assuming different values of α[...]. We compare them with the GRB080319B and GRB050904 observed time-resolved spectra, as well as with their time-integrated spectra and light curves. Although GRB080319B and GRB050904 are at very different redshifts (z=0.937 and z=6.29 respectively), a value of α=-1.8 leads for both of them to a good agreement between the numerical simulations and the observed BAT light curves, time-resolved and time-integrated spectra. Such a modified spectrum is also consistent with the observations of previously analyzed less energetic GRBs and reasons for this additional agreement are given. Perspectives for future low energy missions are outlined.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2012

Schwinger Pair Production in Pulsed Electric Fields

We numerically investigate the temporal behavior and the structure of longitudinal momentum spectrum and the field polarity effect on pair production in pulsed electric fields in scalar quantum electrodynamics (QED). Using the evolution operator expressed in terms of the particle and antiparticle operators, we find the exact quantum states under the influence of electric pulses and measure the number of pairs of the Minkowski particle and antiparticle. The number of pairs, depending on the configuration of electric pulses, exhibits rich structures in the longitudinal momentum spectrum and undergoes diverse dynamical behaviors at the onset of the interaction but always either converges to a momentum-dependent constant or oscillates around a momentum-dependent time average after the completion of fields.

hep-th↗