Quasi-periodic oscillations in precursor flares via seismic aftershocks from resonant shattering

Abstract

GRB 211211A was accompanied by a kilonova, implying a merger origin for the event. A precursor flare, modulated by quasi-periodic oscillations at $\approx 22\, \mbox{Hz}$, was also seen $\approx 1\, \mbox{s}$ prior to the main emission. It is suggested here that the precursor resulted from the resonant shattering of one star's crust prior to coalescence. Seismic aftershocks and low-frequency torsional modes may emanate from the rupture site in this case, explaining the underlying oscillations. This interpretation is directly analogous to proposals for giant flares from soft gamma repeaters, where oscillations at similar frequencies have been observed, involving starquakes followed by crustal vibrations. Torsional mode properties were computed for sequences of slowly rotating, magnetised neutron stars in general relativity. The $\approx 22\, \mbox{Hz}$ modulations in the precursor matches that of nodeless, $\ell =2$ torsional modes for a wide variety of stellar parameters. Global or discrete Alfvén modes are also viable candidates.

7 pages, 2 figures, 1 table. Matches published version

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• Ultracompact hybrid stars consistent with multimessenger astrophysics
• Tidally-induced Magnetar Super Flare at the Eve of Coalescence with Its Compact Companion
• Neutron star mass-radius constraints using the high-frequency QPOs of GRB 200415A
• Search for Quasi-Periodical Oscillations in Precursors of Short and Long Gamma Ray Bursts
• Evidence for a strong 19.5 Hz flux oscillation in Swift BAT and Fermi GBM gamma-ray data from GRB 211211A
• Premerger phenomena in neutron-star binary coalescences
• Nonlinear Alfvén-wave Dynamics and Premerger Emission from Crustal Oscillations in Neutron Star Mergers
• Measuring spin in coalescing binaries of neutron stars showing double precursors
• Prospects for Time-Domain and Multi-Messenger Science with eXTP
• Nonradial oscillations of stratified neutron stars with solid crusts: Mode characterization and tidal resonances in coalescing binaries
• Magnetic amplification in premerger neutron stars through resonance-induced magnetorotational instabilities
• Non-linear saturation of gravito-inertial modes excited by tidal resonances in binary neutron stars
• Nonlinear coupling between magnetar QPOs