Speaker
Description
Since the first detection of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in 1967, GRBs have been an active
subject of study with many questions still left unanswered. Though the physics of GRB afterglows
is relatively simple and more well known, there is still much discussion regarding that of the
prompt emission phase of GRBs. Several models, including synchrotron models with both ordered
and random magnetic fields, synchrotron self-Compton models as well as Compton-drag models
and photospheric models have been proposed in order to explain the Band-like spectra of GRB
pormpt emissions. Seeing as both synchrotron radiation and anisotropic Comptonization (as
expected in both photospheric and Compton-drag models) may lead to X-ray polarization, it
is inevitable that polarization predictions from the various proposed models should be used in
conjunction with X-ray polarization measurements by POLAR and possibly the future COSI
missions in order to investigate the emission mechanisms of GRBs. In light of this, we develop
a Monte Carlo polarization code, heavily inspired by the MAPPIEs code, to estimate Compton
polarization signatures from various GRB models in order to constrain and hopefully discriminate
between the available models.
Level for award;(Hons, MSc, PhD, N/A)?
PhD
| Apply to be considered for a student ; award (Yes / No)? | Yes |
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