FRB Energetics and Sources

Abstract

Repeating and apparently non-repeating fast radio bursts (FRB) differ by orders of magnitude in duty factors, energy and rotation measure. Extensive monitoring of apparently non-repeating FRB has failed to find any repetitions. This suggests the two types differ qualitatively, rather than in repetition rate, and are produced by distinct kinds of sources. The absence of periodicity in repeating FRB argues that they are not produced by neutron stars. They may originate in dilute relativistic jets produced by low luminosity black hole accretion. Non-repeating FRB may be produced by catastrophic events such as the collapse of an accreting magnetic neutron star to a black hole or of an accreting magnetic white dwarf to a neutron star, during which a disappearing magnetic moment radiates dipole radiation that accelerates electrons in nearby matter. If they are emitted by collimated beams of relativistic particles or charge "bunches" with Lorentz factor $\gamma$, their radiation is collimated into a solid angle $\sim \gamma^{-2}$ sterad, reducing the energy requirement. If powered by magnetic reconnection, a pulse of length $\Delta t$ may draw on the magnetic energy in a volume $\sim \gamma^4 (c \Delta t)^3$, although only a fraction $\sim 1/\gamma^2$ of this may be dissipated without decollimation.