Magnetic fields in gamma-ray bursts: A short overview

Abstract

Magnetic fields play a crucial role in the physics of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). Strong observational evidence indicates that the observed afterglow and most likely the prompt emission arise from synchrotron emission. It is possible that Poynting flux plays an important or even dominant role in the relativistic outflow from the inner engine, but like in other astronomical relativistic jets this suggestion is controversial. Finally, it is likely that magnetic fields larger than 1015 G occur within GRBs' inner engines and contribute to the acceleration and collimation of the relativistic jets. I review here the GRB fireball model and discuss the role that magnetic fields play in its various components. I suggest that the early afterglow, that reflects the initial interaction of the relativistic jet with its surrounding matter is the best available tool to explore the nature of relativistic outflow in astronomical relativistic jets. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.