The High Time Resolution Spectral Evolution of Gamma-Ray Bursts

Abstract

Previous studies of the evolution of gamma-ray burst spectra have generally relied on fitting sequences of spectra. These studies usually were confined to bright bursts and often lacked sufficient temporal resolution. We have developed techniques which sacrifice spectral resolution for temporal resolution. First, the crosscorrelations between intensity lightcurves in different energy bands allow for the classification of the spectral evolution of a large burst sample. Second, the energy correlation of pairs of counts places limits on short-duration, narrowband emission.