Optical Classification of Gamma-Ray Bursts in the Swift Era

Abstract

We propose a new method for the classification of optically dark gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), based on the X-ray and optical-to-X-ray spectral indices of GRB afterglows, and utilizing the spectral capabilities of Swift. This method depends less on model assumptions than previous methods, and can be used as a quick diagnostic tool to identify optically sub-luminous bursts. With this method we can also find GRBs that are extremely bright at optical wavelengths. We show that the previously suggested correlation between the optical darkness and the X-ray/gamma-ray brightness is merely an observational selection effect.

6 pages, 3 figures; accepted for publication in ApJ

References in corpus (13)

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• Implications of the Early X-Ray Afterglow Light Curves of Swift GRBs
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• Swift/UVOT: 18 Years of Long GRB Discoveries and Advances
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• The Case for a High-Redshift Origin of GRB100205A
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• Delayed Onset and Fast Rise of Prompt Optical-UV Emission from Gamma-Ray Bursts in Molecular Clouds
• Multi-Wavelength Observations of Short-Duration Gamma-Ray Bursts: Recent Results
• The Density and Ionization Profile of Optically Dark and High Redshift GRBs Probed by X-ray Absorption
• A Radio-selected Population of Dark, Long Gamma-ray Bursts: Comparison to the Long Gamma-ray Burst Population and Implications for Host Dust Distributions
• Jet-Cocoon Geometry in the Optically Dark, Very High Energy Gamma-ray Burst 201216C
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