The Physics of Gamma-Ray Bursts

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most luminous explosions in the universe, which within seconds release energy comparable to what the Sun releases in its entire lifetime. The field of GRBs has developed rapidly and matured over the past decades. Written by a leading researcher, this text presents a thorough treatment of every aspect of the physics of GRBs. It starts with an overview of the field and an introduction to GRB phenomenology. After laying out the basics of relativity, relativistic shocks, and leptonic and hadronic radiation processes, the volume covers all topics related to GRBs, including a general theoretical framework, afterglow and prompt emission models, progenitor, central engine, multi-messenger aspects (cosmic rays, neutrinos, and gravitational waves), cosmological connections, and broader impacts on fundamental physics and astrobiology. It is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and experienced researchers in the field of GRBs and high-energy astrophysics in general.

Table of Contents:
Foreword; Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. GRB Phenomenology; 3. Relativity; 4. Relativistic shocks; 5. Leptonic processes; 6. Hadronic processes; 7. Basic theoretical framework; 8. Afterglow physics; 9. Prompt emission physics; 10. Progenitor; 11. Central engine; 12. Non-electromagnetic signals; 13. Cosmological context; 14. Other topics; References; Index.

About the Author :
Bing Zhang is a Professor of Astrophysics at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a Changjiang Visiting Chair Professor of Astrophysics at Peking University, Beijing, and a fellow of the American Physics Society. His research interests include astrophysics of black holes of different scales, neutron stars of different species, relativistic jets, radiation mechanisms, and multi-messenger astrophysics. He has published more than 300 refereed papers. Most of his published works are related to the physics of gamma-ray bursts, and he is one of the most cited theorists in the field. He has extensive teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Review :
From the Foreword: 'The material in this book has been painstakingly researched and developed by Professor Zhang … Starting with a comprehensive historical perspective, it goes on to delve extensively with all of the major aspects of the field up to the present date, with insightful discussions of the relevant physics involved in the various phenomenological aspects, including perspectives on the possible developments expected from future observations. It then goes on to place GRBs in the broader astrophysical context of stars, galaxies and the universe, and the possible implications for fundamental physics. This is the most complete, comprehensive, and up-to-date monograph on the physics of gamma-ray bursts, by one of the leading experts in the field, which will be an invaluable resource both for the advanced researchers and for those wishing to gain an overview of one of the most exciting topics in contemporary astrophysics.' Peter Mészáros, Pennsylvania State University 'This covers a lot of ground, including MHD complications and Fermi acceleration withon the shock system. For someone who is committed to working on GRBs at the professional reaserch level, this book will make an ideal reference for the field.' John Peacock, The Observatory 'I read Zhang's book with great interest, as I wanted an up-to-date review of the theories and the evidence for them. That is certainly what the book provides. It begins with clear reviews of GRB history and phenomenology. Then it reviews in considerable detail some generic (but highly non-trivial) high-energy astrophysics (relativity, relativistic shocks, leptonic and hadronic processes) … In conclusion, I found it an educational read …' Robert S. MacKay, Contemporary Physics