Gertsenshtein-Zel$'$dovich effect: A plausible explanation for fast radio bursts?

Abstract

We present a novel model that may provide an interpretation for a class of non-repeating FRBs -- short ($<1~\rm{s}$), bright ($0.1 - 1000~\rm{Jy}$) bursts of MHz-GHz frequency radio waves. The model has three ingredients -- compact object, a progenitor with effective magnetic field strength around $10^{10}~{\rm Gauss}$, and high frequency (MHz-GHz) gravitational waves (GWs). At resonance, the energy conversion from GWs to electromagnetic waves occurs when GWs pass through the magnetosphere of such compact objects due to the Gertsenshtein-Zel'dovich effect. This conversion produces bursts of electromagnetic waves in the MHz-GHz range, leading to FRBs. Our model has three key features: (i) predict peak-flux, (ii) can naturally explain the pulse width, and (iii) coherent nature of FRB. We thus conclude that the neutron star/magnetar could be the progenitor of FRBs. Further, our model offers a novel perspective on the indirection detection of GWs at high-frequency beyond detection capabilities. Thus, transient events like FRBs are a rich source for the current era of multi-messenger astronomy.