Early optical polarization of a gamma-ray burst afterglow

Mundell, C.G. et al. (2007) Early optical polarization of a gamma-ray burst afterglow. Science, 315, pp. 1822-1824. (doi: 10.1126/science.1138484)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

We report the optical polarization of a gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow, obtained 203 seconds after the initial burst of γ-rays from GRB 060418, using a ring polarimeter on the robotic Liverpool Telescope. Our robust (2σ) upper limit on the percentage of polarization, less than 8%, coincides with the fireball deceleration time at the onset of the afterglow. The combination of the rate of decay of the optical brightness and the low polarization at this critical time constrains standard models of GRB ejecta, ruling out the presence of a large-scale ordered magnetic field in the emitting region.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Clarke, Dr David
Authors: Mundell, C.G., Steele, I.A., Smith, R.J., Kobayashi, S., Melandri, A., Guidorzi, C., Gomboc, A., Mottram, C.J., Clarke, D., Monfardini, A., Carter, D., and Bersier, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Science
Publisher:American Association for the Advancement of Science
ISSN:0036-8075
ISSN (Online):1095-9203

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record