Polarization in Gamma-Ray Bursts Produced by Pinch Discharge

Large-voltage and high-temperature plasma columns produced by pinch discharge can generate gamma-ray flashes with energy spectra and spectral evolution consistent with that observed in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The inverse Compton scattering (ICS) during the discharge process can produce high linear polarization. The calculation indicates that the observed polarization depends on the angle between the observer’s line-of-sight to the GRB and the direction of the pinch discharge, but only weakly depends on observed gamma-ray energy.