Proton beam Weibel instability simulations of energy transfer in gamma-ray bursts

Abstract

Proton beam Weibel instability may explain key ingredients for Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs): amplified magnetic field, relativistic electron production and a power law energy distribution. By using particle-in-cell simulations, we demonstrate that a part of the directed kinetic energy of a proton beam is converted into kinetic energy of electrons, ions, electric and magnetic fields. A finite lifetime for the magnetic field is demonstrated, indicating a maximum for the GRB duration. An experiment probing the GRB environment is proposed. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.