The Physics of Gamma-Ray Bursts

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most luminous explosions in the universe, which within seconds release energy comparable to what the Sun releases in its entire lifetime. The field of GRBs has developed rapidly and matured over the past decades. Written by a leading researcher, this text presents a thorough treatment of every aspect of the physics of GRBs. It starts with an overview of the field and an introduction to GRB phenomenology. After laying out the basics of relativity, relativistic shocks, and leptonic and hadronic radiation processes, the volume covers all topics related to GRBs, including a general theoretical framework, afterglow and prompt emission models, progenitor, central engine, multi-messenger aspects (cosmic rays, neutrinos, and gravitational waves), cosmological connections, and broader impacts on fundamental physics and astrobiology. It is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and experienced researchers in the field of GRBs and high-energy astrophysics in general.

Foreword; Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. GRB Phenomenology; 3. Relativity; 4. Relativistic shocks; 5. Leptonic processes; 6. Hadronic processes; 7. Basic theoretical framework; 8. Afterglow physics; 9. Prompt emission physics; 10. Progenitor; 11. Central engine; 12. Non-electromagnetic signals; 13. Cosmological context; 14. Other topics; References; Index.

Bing Zhang is a Professor of Astrophysics at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a Changjiang Visiting Chair Professor of Astrophysics at Peking University, Beijing, and a fellow of the American Physics Society. His research interests include astrophysics of black holes of different scales, neutron stars of different species, relativistic jets, radiation mechanisms, and multi-messenger astrophysics. He has published more than 300 refereed papers. Most of his published works are related to the physics of gamma-ray bursts, and he is one of the most cited theorists in the field. He has extensive teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate level.