Emission Mechanisms of Fast Radio Bursts
Yuri Lyubarsky
Abstract
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are recently discovered mysterious single pulses of radio emission, mostly coming from cosmological distances (∼1 Gpc). Their short duration, ∼1 ms, and large luminosity demonstrate coherent emission. I review the basic physics of coherent emission mechanisms proposed for FRBs. In particular, I discuss the curvature emission of bunches, the synchrotron maser, and the emission of radio waves by variable currents during magnetic reconnection. Special attention is paid to magnetar flares as the most promising sources of FRBs. Non-linear effects are outlined that could place bounds on the power of the outgoing radiation.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsMaserMagnetarAstrophysicsSynchrotron radiationLuminosityPulsarBunchesAstronomySynchrotronElectromagnetic radiationElectronOpticsGalaxyNuclear physicsPulsars and Gravitational Waves ResearchGamma-ray bursts and supernovaeAstrophysical Phenomena and Observations