title: Current Topics in Gamma-Ray Astrophysics.
abstract: This paper reports on recent progress toward unraveling the origin of gamma-ray bursts. It is concluded that neutron-star binaries are one of the few remaining candidates. A model is proposed based upon general relativistic hydrodynamic studies which indicate a new physical process by which to power a gamma-ray burst. Relativistically driven compression, heating, and collapse of the individual neutron stars can occur many seconds before inspiral and merger. This compression may produce a neutrino burst of ∼10(53) ergs lasting several seconds. The associated thermal neutrino emission produces an e (+)-e (-) pair plasma by [Formula: see text] annihilation. We show first results of a simulated burst which produces ∼10(51) erg in γ rays of the correct spectral and temporal properties.
authors.affiliation: University of Notre Dame, Department of Physics 225 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Mathews
authors.affiliation: University of Notre Dame, Department of Physics 225 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Maronetti
authors.affiliation: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Salmonson
authors.affiliation: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Wilson
keywords: gamma-ray bursts; neutrino bursts; supernovae