Radioactively powered electromagnetic counterparts of neutron star mergers

B. D. Metzger, G. Martínez-Pinedo, A. Arcones, S. Darbha, E. Quataert, D. Kasen, R. Thomas, P. Nugent, I. V. Panov, N. T. Zinner

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The most promising astrophysical sources of gravitational waves (GWs) for ground-based inter-ferometers such as LIGO and Virgo are the inspiral and merger of binary neutron star (NS) and black hole systems. However, maximizing the scientific benefits of a GW detection will require identifying a coincident electromagnetic counterpart. One of the most likely sources of isotropic emission from NS mergers is a supernova-like transient powered by the radioactive decay of r-process elements synthesized in the merger ejecta. We present the first calculations of the optical transients from NS mergers that self consistently determine the radioactive heating using a nuclear reaction network and which determine the resulting light curve with a Monte Carlo radiation transfer calculation. Due to the rapid evolution and low luminosity of NS merger transients, optical counterpart searches triggered by a GW detection will require close collaboration between the GW and astronomical communities. NS merger transients may also be detectable following a short duration Gamma-Ray Burst or blindly with present or upcoming optical transient surveys.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalProceedings of Science
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event11th Symposium on Nuclei in the Cosmos, NIC 2010 - Heidelberg, Germany
Duration: Jul 19 2010Jul 23 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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