Exploring Gamma-Ray Burst Diversity: Clustering analysis of emission characteristics of Fermi and BATSE detected GRBs

Abstract

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are commonly attributed to the demise of massive stars or the merger of binary compact objects. However, their varied emission characteristics strongly imply the existence of multiple GRB classes based on progenitor types, radiation mechanisms, central engines etc. This study utilizes unsupervised clustering with the Nested Gaussian Mixture Model algorithm to analyze {\it Fermi} and BATSE GRB data, identifying four classes (A, B, C, and D) based on duration, spectral peak, and spectral index, comprising approximately 70\%, 10\%, 3\%, and 17\% of the dataset, respectively. Classes A and B consist of long GRBs, C mainly short GRBs, and class D encompasses both short and long GRBs. Using the spectral index, $\alpha$, for the differentiation of radiation models, it is found that classes B and C align with photospheric emission models, while A and D predominantly show synchrotron radiation characteristics. Short GRBs predominantly exhibit photospheric emission, whereas long GRBs show consistency with synchrotron emission. Overall, 63\% of the total bursts exhibit $\alpha$ profiles indicative of synchrotron emission, with the remaining 37\% associated with photospheric emission. The classes were further examined for their progenitor origins, revealing that classes A and D demonstrate a hybrid nature, while classes B and C are predominantly associated with collapsar and merger origins, respectively. This clustering analysis reveals distinct GRB classes, shedding light on their diversity in radiation, duration and progenitor.