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K. Abazajian, J. Pruet, G.M. Fuller (University of California, San Diego)
Here we describe a surprising link between the weak-interaction and neutrino physics deep within the Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) central engine and the acceleration of the fireball which produces the \gamma-rays. In particular, we discuss how the baryon loading problem in GRB fireballs depends on whether the baryons are neutrons or protons. It is found that a large neutron excess can result in a reduced transfer of energy from relativistic particles to baryons in the fireball. In turn, this implies that the final Lorentz factor of the fireball can be increased significantly for a given initial energy input. This raises the possibility that observed electromagnetic or neutrino signatures could give key clues into the weak-interaction history of fireballs which, in turn, could give unique insights into the nature of GRBs.
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