# Posts Tagged gamma ray

## Recent Postings from gamma ray

### Can a millicharged dark matter particle emit an observable gamma-ray line? [Cross-Listing]

If a gamma-ray line is observed in the near future, it will be important to determine what kind of dark matter (DM) particle could be at its origin. We investigate the possibility that the gamma-ray line would be induced by a slow DM particle decay associated to the fact that the DM particle would not be absolutely neutral. A "millicharge" for the DM particle can be induced in various ways, in particular from a kinetic mixing interaction or through the Stueckelberg mechanism. We show that such a scenario could lead in specific cases to an observable gamma-ray line. This possibility can be considered in a systematic model-independent way, by writing down the corresponding effective theory. This allows for a multi-channel analysis, giving in particular upper bounds on the intensity of the associated gamma-ray line from cosmic rays emission. Our analysis includes the possibility that in the two-body decay the photon is accompanied with a neutrino. We show that, given the stringent constraints which hold on the millicharge of the neutrinos, this is not an option, except if the DM particle mass lies in the very light KeV-MeV range, allowing for a possibility of explanation of the recently claimed, yet to be confirmed, ~3.5KeV X-ray line.

### Can a millicharged dark matter particle emit an observable gamma-ray line?

If a gamma-ray line is observed in the near future, it will be important to determine what kind of dark matter (DM) particle could be at its origin. We investigate the possibility that the gamma-ray line would be induced by a slow DM particle decay associated to the fact that the DM particle would not be absolutely neutral. A "millicharge" for the DM particle can be induced in various ways, in particular from a kinetic mixing interaction or through the Stueckelberg mechanism. We show that such a scenario could lead in specific cases to an observable gamma-ray line. This possibility can be considered in a systematic model-independent way, by writing down the corresponding effective theory. This allows for a multi-channel analysis, giving in particular upper bounds on the intensity of the associated gamma-ray line from cosmic rays emission. Our analysis includes the possibility that in the two-body decay the photon is accompanied with a neutrino. We show that, given the stringent constraints which hold on the millicharge of the neutrinos, this is not an option, except if the DM particle mass lies in the very light KeV-MeV range, allowing for a possibility of explanation of the recently claimed, yet to be confirmed, ~3.5KeV X-ray line.

### GRB orphan afterglows in present and future radio transient surveys

Orphan Afterglows (OA) are slow transients produced by Gamma Ray Bursts seen off-axis that become visible on timescales of days/years at optical/NIR and radio frequencies, when the prompt emission at high energies (X and gamma rays) has already ceased. Given the typically estimated jet opening angle of GRBs theta_jet ~ 3 deg, for each burst pointing to the Earth there should be a factor ~ 700 more GRBs pointing in other directions. Despite this, no secure OAs have been detected so far. Through a population synthesis code we study the emission properties of the population of OA at radio frequencies. OAs reach their emission peak on year-timescales and they last for a comparable amount of time. The typical peak fluxes (which depend on the observing frequency) are of few micro Jy in the radio band with only a few OA reaching the mJy level. These values are consistent with the upper limits on the radio flux of SN Ib/c observed at late times. We find that the OA radio number count distribution has a typical slope -1.7 at high fluxes and a flatter (-0.4) slope at low fluxes with a break at a frequency-dependent flux. Our predictions of the OA rates are consistent with the (upper) limits of recent radio surveys and archive searches for radio transients. Future radio surveys like VAST/ASKAP at 1.4 GHz should detect ~ 3×10^-3 OA deg^-2 yr-1, MeerKAT and EVLA at 8.4 GHz should see ~ 3×10^-1 OA deg-2 yr-1. The SKA, reaching the micro Jy flux limit, could see up to ~ 0.2-1.5 OA deg^-2 yr^-1. These rates also depend on the duration of the OA above a certain flux limit and we discuss this effect with respect to the survey cadence.

### A Missing-Link in the Supernova-GRB Connection: The Case of SN 2012ap

Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) are characterized by ultra-relativistic outflows, while supernovae are generally characterized by non-relativistic ejecta. GRB afterglows decelerate rapidly usually within days, because their low-mass ejecta rapidly sweep up a comparatively larger mass of circumstellar material. However supernovae, with heavy ejecta, can be in nearly free expansion for centuries. Supernovae were thought to have non-relativistic outflows except for few relativistic ones accompanied by GRBs. This clear division was blurred by SN 2009bb, the first supernova with a relativistic outflow without an observed GRB. Yet the ejecta from SN 2009bb was baryon loaded, and in nearly-free expansion for a year, unlike GRBs. We report the first supernova discovered without a GRB, but with rapidly decelerating mildly relativistic ejecta, SN 2012ap. This shows that central engines in type Ic supernovae, even without an observed GRB, can produce both relativistic and rapidly decelerating outflows like GRBs.

### Short Gamma Ray Burst Formation Rate from BATSE data using E_p-L_p correlation and the minimum gravitational wave event rate of coalescing compact binary [Cross-Listing]

Using 72 Short Gamma Ray Bursts (SGRBs) with well determined spectral data observed by BATSE, we determine their redshift and the luminosity by applying $E_p$–$L_p$ correlation for SGRBs found by Tsutsui et al. (2013). For 53 SGRBs with the observed flux brighter than $4 \times 10^{-6}~{\rm erg~cm^{-2}s^{-1}}$, the cumulative redshift distribution up to $z=1$ agrees well with that of 22 Swift SGRBs. Especially good agreement is seen for $z < 0.4$ with the KS chance probability of 5.3\%. This suggests that the redshift determination by the $E_p$–$L_p$ correlation for SGRBs works very well. The minimum event rate at $z=0$ is estimated as $R_{\rm on-axis}^{\rm min} = 2 \times 10^{-10}~{\rm events~Mpc^{-3}yr^{-1}}$ so that the minimum beaming angle is $0.57^\circ-3.6^\circ$ assuming the merging rate of $10^{-7}-4\times 10^{-6}~{\rm events~yr^{-1}galaxy^{-1}}$ suggested from the binary pulsar data. Interestingly, this angle is consistent with that for SGRB~130603B of $\sim 4^\circ-8^\circ$ (Fong et al. 2013). On the other hand, if we assume the beaming angle of $\sim 6^\circ$ suggested from four SGRBs, the minimum event rate including off-axis SGRBs is estimated as $R_{\rm all}^{\rm min}\sim 4\times 10^{-8}~{\rm events~Mpc^{-3}yr^{-1}}$. If SGRBs are induced by coalescence of binary neutron stars (NSs) and/or black holes (BHs), this event rate leads to the minimum gravitational-wave detection rate of $\rm 1.3 (50)~events~yr^{-1}$ for NS-NS (NS-BH) binary, respectively, by KAGRA, adv-LIGO, adv-Virgo and GEO network.

### Short Gamma Ray Burst Formation Rate from BATSE data using E_p-L_p correlation and the minimum gravitational wave event rate of coalescing compact binary

Using 72 Short Gamma Ray Bursts (SGRBs) with well determined spectral data observed by BATSE, we determine their redshift and the luminosity by applying $E_p$–$L_p$ correlation for SGRBs found by Tsutsui et al. (2013). For 53 SGRBs with the observed flux brighter than $4 \times 10^{-6}~{\rm erg~cm^{-2}s^{-1}}$, the cumulative redshift distribution up to $z=1$ agrees well with that of 22 Swift SGRBs. Especially good agreement is seen for $z < 0.4$ with the KS chance probability of 5.3\%. This suggests that the redshift determination by the $E_p$–$L_p$ correlation for SGRBs works very well. The minimum event rate at $z=0$ is estimated as $R_{\rm on-axis}^{\rm min} = 2 \times 10^{-10}~{\rm events~Mpc^{-3}yr^{-1}}$ so that the minimum beaming angle is $0.57^\circ-3.6^\circ$ assuming the merging rate of $10^{-7}-4\times 10^{-6}~{\rm events~yr^{-1}galaxy^{-1}}$ suggested from the binary pulsar data. Interestingly, this angle is consistent with that for SGRB~130603B of $\sim 4^\circ-8^\circ$ (Fong et al. 2013). On the other hand, if we assume the beaming angle of $\sim 6^\circ$ suggested from four SGRBs, the minimum event rate including off-axis SGRBs is estimated as $R_{\rm all}^{\rm min}\sim 4\times 10^{-8}~{\rm events~Mpc^{-3}yr^{-1}}$. If SGRBs are induced by coalescence of binary neutron stars (NSs) and/or black holes (BHs), this event rate leads to the minimum gravitational-wave detection rate of $\rm 1.3 (50)~events~yr^{-1}$ for NS-NS (NS-BH) binary, respectively, by KAGRA, adv-LIGO, adv-Virgo and GEO network.

### GRB as luminosity indicator

Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) are found at much higher redshifts (z>6) than Supernova Ia (z~1), and hence, they can be used to probe very primitive universe. However, radiation mechanism of GRB remains a puzzle, unlike Supernova Ia. Through comprehensive description, both empirical and physical, we shall discuss the most likely way to use the constituent pulses of a GRB to find the radiation mechanism as well as using the pulses as luminosity indicators.

### Phenomenology of Reverse-Shock Emission in the Optical Afterglows of Gamma Ray Bursts

We use a parent sample of 118 gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows, with known redshift and host galaxy extinction, to separate afterglows with and without signatures of dominant reverse-shock emission and to determine which physical conditions lead to a prominent reverse-shock emission. We identify 10 GRBs with reverse shock signatures – GRBs 990123, 021004, 021211, 060908, 061126, 080319B, 081007, 090102, 090424 and 130427A. By modeling their optical afterglows with reverse and forward shock analytic light curves and using Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate the parameter space of the physical quantities describing the ejecta and circumburst medium. We find that physical properties cover a wide parameter space and do not seem to cluster around any preferential values. Comparing the rest-frame optical, X-ray and high-energy properties of the larger sample of non-RS-dominated GRBs, we show that the early-time ($<$ 1ks) optical spectral luminosity, X-ray afterglow luminosity and $\gamma$-ray energy output of our reverse-shock dominated sample do not differ significantly from the general population at early times. However, the GRBs with dominant reverse shock emission have fainter than average optical forward-shock emission at late time ($>$ 10 ks). We find that GRBs with an identifiable reverse shock component show high magnetization parameter $R_{\mathrm{B}} = \varepsilon_{\rm B,r}/\varepsilon_{\rm B,f} \sim 2 – 10^4$. Our results are in agreement with the mildly magnetized baryonic jet model of GRBs.

### Reinterpreting Short Gamma Ray Burst Progenitor Kicks and Time Delays Using the Host Galaxy-Dark Matter Halo Connection

Nearly 20% of short gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) have no observed host galaxies. Combining this finding with constraints on galaxies’ dark matter halo potential wells gives strong limits on the natal kick velocity distribution for sGRB progenitors. For the best-fitting velocity distribution, one in five sGRB progenitors receives a natal kick above 150 km/s, consistent with merging neutron star models but not with merging white dwarf binary models. This progenitor model constraint is robust to a wide variety of systematic uncertainties, including the sGRB progenitor time-delay model, the Swift redshift sensitivity, and the shape of the natal kick velocity distribution. We also use constraints on the galaxy-halo connection to determine the host halo and host galaxy demographics for sGRBs, which match extremely well with available data. Most sGRBs are expected to occur in halos near 10^12 Msun and in galaxies near 5 x 10^10 Msun (~L_*); unobserved faint and high-redshift host galaxies contribute a small minority of the observed hostless sGRB fraction. We find that sGRB redshift distributions and host galaxy stellar masses weakly constrain the progenitor time-delay model; the active vs. passive fraction of sGRB host galaxies may offer a stronger constraint. Finally, we discuss how searches for gravitational wave optical counterparts in the local Universe can reduce followup times using these findings.

### Collisionless Relativistic Shocks:current driven turbulence and particle acceleration

The physics of collisionless relativistic shocks with a moderate magnetization is presented. Micro-physics is relevant to explain the most energetic radiative phenomena of Nature, namely that of the termination shock of Gamma Ray Bursts. A transition towards Fermi process occurs for decreasing magnetization around a critical value which turns out to be the condition for the scattering to break the mean field inhibition. Scattering is produced by magnetic micro-turbulence driven by the current carried by returning particles, which had not been considered till now, but turns out to be more intense than Weibel’s one around the transition. The current is also responsible for a buffer effect on the motion of the incoming flow, on which the threshold for the onset of turbulence depends.

### Loopy Constraints on Leptophilic Dark Matter and Internal Bremsstrahlung

A sharp and spatially extended peak in an astrophysical gamma ray spectrum would provide very strong evidence for the existence of dark matter (DM), given that there are no known astrophysical processes that could mimic such a signal. From the particle physics perspective, perhaps the simplest explanation for a gamma ray peak is internal bremsstrahlung in DM annihilation through a charged t-channel mediator eta close in mass to the DM particle chi. Since DM annihilation to quarks is already tightly constrained in this scenario, we focus here on the leptophilic case. We compute the electromagnetic anapole and dipole moments that DM acquires at 1-loop, and we find an interesting enhancement of these moments if the DM particle and the mediator are close in mass. We constrain the DM anapole and dipole moments using direct detection data, and then translate these limits into bounds on the DM annihilation cross section. Our bounds are highly competitive with those from astrophysical gamma ray searches. In the second part of the paper, we derive complementary constraints on internal bremsstrahlung in DM annihilation using LEP mono-photon data, measurements of the anomalous magnetic moments of the electron and the muon, and searches for lepton flavor violation. We also comment on the impact of the internal bremsstrahlung scenario on the hyperfine splitting of true muonium.

### Loopy Constraints on Leptophilic Dark Matter and Internal Bremsstrahlung [Cross-Listing]

A sharp and spatially extended peak in an astrophysical gamma ray spectrum would provide very strong evidence for the existence of dark matter (DM), given that there are no known astrophysical processes that could mimic such a signal. From the particle physics perspective, perhaps the simplest explanation for a gamma ray peak is internal bremsstrahlung in DM annihilation through a charged t-channel mediator eta close in mass to the DM particle chi. Since DM annihilation to quarks is already tightly constrained in this scenario, we focus here on the leptophilic case. We compute the electromagnetic anapole and dipole moments that DM acquires at 1-loop, and we find an interesting enhancement of these moments if the DM particle and the mediator are close in mass. We constrain the DM anapole and dipole moments using direct detection data, and then translate these limits into bounds on the DM annihilation cross section. Our bounds are highly competitive with those from astrophysical gamma ray searches. In the second part of the paper, we derive complementary constraints on internal bremsstrahlung in DM annihilation using LEP mono-photon data, measurements of the anomalous magnetic moments of the electron and the muon, and searches for lepton flavor violation. We also comment on the impact of the internal bremsstrahlung scenario on the hyperfine splitting of true muonium.

### The importance of jet bending in gamma-ray AGN - revisited [Replacement]

We investigate the hypothesis that {\gamma}-ray-quiet AGN have a larger tendency for jet bending than {\gamma}-ray-loud AGN, revisiting the analysis of Tingay, Murphy & Edwards (1998). We perform a statistical analysis using a large sample of 351 radio-loud AGN along with {\gamma}-ray identifications from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). Our results show no statistically significant differences in jet-bending properties between {\gamma}-ray-loud and {\gamma}-ray-quiet populations, indicating that jet bending is not a significant factor for {\gamma}-ray detection in AGN.

### The importance of jet bending in gamma-ray AGN - revisited

We investigate the hypothesis that {\gamma}-ray-quiet AGN have a larger tendency for jet bending than {\gamma}-ray-loud AGN, revisiting the analysis of Tingay, Murphy & Edwards (1998). We perform a statistical analysis using a large sample of 351 radio-loud AGN along with {\gamma}-ray identifications from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). Our results show no statistically significant differences in jet-bending properties between {\gamma}-ray-loud and {\gamma}-ray-quiet populations, indicating that jet bending is not a significant factor for {\gamma}-ray detection in AGN.

### Gamma rays and neutrinos from a cosmic ray source in the Galactic Center region

The center of the our Galaxy is a region where very energetic phenomena take place. In particular powerful cosmic ray sources can be located in that region. The cosmic rays accelerated in these sources may interact with ambient protons and/or low energy photons producing gamma rays and neutrinos. The observation of these two types of secondary particles can be very useful for the identification of the cosmic ray sources and for the understanding of the physical processes occurring during acceleration. Motivated by the excess in the neutrino spectrum recently reported by the IceCube Collaboration, we study in detail the shape of the gamma ray and neutrino spectra originated from the interaction of cosmic ray protons with ambient protons for sources located in the Galactic Center region. We consider different models for proton acceleration and study the impact on the gamma ray and neutrino spectra. We also discuss the possibility to constrain and even identify a particular neutrino source by using the information given by the gamma ray spectrum taking advantage of the modification of the spectral shape, caused by the interaction of the gamma rays with the photons of the radiation field present in the interstellar medium, which strongly depends on the source distance.

### Fall back accretion and energy injections in the ultra-long GRB 111209A [Replacement]

The ultra-long Gamma Ray Burst 111209A, which occurred at a redshift of $z = 0.677$, is the longest duration burst ever observed due to a rest frame prompt emission duration of order of $10^{4}$ s. The very early X-ray afterglow of Gamma Ray Burst 111209A showed unusual behavior, with a significant bump observed at about 2000 s after the BAT trigger. One possible explanation is that the bump resulted from mass fall back. In this paper, we present a detailed numerical study of the fall back process to interpret the very early X-ray afterglow light curve of Gamma Ray Burst 111209A. For the afterglow at late times, we apply external shock by adding an energy injection. In our model, we assume two periods of energy injection, each with a constant injection power. One injection starts at $8.0\times10^{3}$ s and lasts for about 8000 s, with an injection power of $9.0\times10^{47}$ ${\rm erg}$ ${\rm s^{-1}}$; this energy injection accounts for the plateau at X-ray wavelength in the early stage. The other injection starts at $6.5\times10^{4}$ s and lasts for about 16 ks with an injection power of $6.0\times10^{46}$ ${\rm erg}$ ${\rm s^{-1}}$. This second energy injection can help to explain the other plateau at X-ray wavelengths and the rebrightening in the optical band at about $10^{5}$ s. We argue that the two periods of energy injection can be produced by the infall of clumpy mass onto the central compact object of the burster, which leads to an enhancement of the accretion rate and results in a strong temporary outflow.

### Fall back accretion and energy injections in the ultra-long GRB 111209A

The ultra-long Gamma Ray Burst 111209A, which occurred at a redshift of $z = 0.677$, is the longest duration burst ever observed due to a rest frame prompt emission duration of order of $10^{4}$ s. The very early X-ray afterglow of Gamma Ray Burst 111209A showed unusual behavior, with a significant bump observed at about 2000 s after the BAT trigger. One possible explanation is that the bump resulted from mass fall back. In this paper, we present a detailed numerical study of the fall back process to interpret the very early X-ray afterglow light curve of Gamma Ray Burst 111209A. For the afterglow at late times, we apply external shock by adding an energy injection. In our model, we assume two periods of energy injection, each with a constant injection power. One injection starts at $8.0\times10^{3}$ s and lasts for about 8000 s, with an injection power of $9.0\times10^{47}$ ${\rm erg}$ ${\rm s^{-1}}$; this energy injection accounts for the plateau at X-ray wavelength in the early stage. The other injection starts at $6.5\times10^{4}$ s and lasts for about 16 ks with an injection power of $6.0\times10^{46}$ ${\rm erg}$ ${\rm s^{-1}}$. This second energy injection can help to explain the other plateau at X-ray wavelengths and the rebrightening in the optical band at about $10^{5}$ s. We argue that the two periods of energy injection can be produced by the infall of clumpy mass onto the central compact object of the burster, which leads to an enhancement of the accretion rate and results in a strong temporary outflow.

### Multi-wavelength emissions from the millisecond pulsar binary PSR J1023+0038 during an accretion active state

Recent observations strongly suggest that the millisecond pulsar binary PSR J1023+0038 has developed an accretion disk since 2013 June. We present the multi-wavelength analysis of PSR J1023+0038, which reveals that 1) its gamma-rays suddenly brightened within a few days in June/July 2013 and has remained at a high gamma-ray state for several months; 2) both UV and X-ray fluxes have increased by roughly an order of magnitude, and 3) the spectral energy distribution has changed significantly after the gamma-ray sudden flux change. Time variabilities associated with UV and X-rays are on the order of 100-500 seconds and 50-100 seconds respectively. Our model suggests that a newly formed accretion disk due to the sudden increase of the stellar wind could explain the changes of all these observed features. The increase of UV is emitted from the disk, and a new component in gamma-rays is produced by inverse Compton scattering between the new UV component and pulsar wind. The increase of X-rays results from the enhancement of injection pulsar wind energy into the intra-binary shock due to the increase of the stellar wind. We also predict that the radio pulses may be blocked by the evaporated winds from the disk and the pulsar is still powered by rotation.

### Jet Emission in Young Radio Sources: a Fermi-LAT Gamma-ray View

We investigate the contribution of the beamed jet component to the high energy emission in young and compact extragalactic radio sources, focusing for the first time on the gamma-ray band. We derive predictions on the gamma-ray luminosities associated with the relativistic jet assuming a leptonic radiative model. The high energy emission is produced via Compton scattering by the relativistic electrons in a spherical region at the considered scales ($\lesssim$10 kpc). Simulations show a wide range of gamma-ray luminosities, with intensities up to $\sim10^{46}-10^{48}$ erg s$^{-1}$ depending on the assumed jet parameters. We find a highly linear relation between the simulated X-ray and gamma-ray luminosities that can be used to select candidates for a gamma-ray detection. We compare the simulated luminosity distributions in the radio, X-ray and gamma-ray regimes with observations for the largest sample of X-ray detected young radio quasars. Our analysis of $\sim$4-year Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) data does not give any statistically significant detection. However, the majority of the model-predicted gamma-ray fluxes for the sample are near or below the current Fermi-LAT flux threshold and compatible with the derived upper limits. Our study gives constraints on the minimum jet power ($L_{jet,kin}/L_{disk}>0.01$), on a potential jet contribution to the X-ray emission in the most compact sources ($\lesssim1$ kpc) and on the particles to magnetic field energy density ratio in broad agreement with equipartition assumption.

### Connection between orbital modulation of H-alpha and gamma-rays in the Be/X-ray binary LSI+61303

We studied the average orbital modulation of various parameters (gamma-ray flux, H-alpha emission line, optical V band brightness) of the radio- and gamma-ray emitting Be/X-ray binary LSI+61303. Using the Spearman rank correlation test, we found highly significant correlations between the orbital variability of the equivalent width of the blue hump of the H-alpha and Fermi-LAT flux with a Spearman p-value 2e-5, and the equivalent widths ratio EW_B/EW_R and Fermi-LAT flux with p-value 9e-5. We also found a significant anti-correlation between Fermi-LAT flux and V band magnitude with p-value 7.10^{-4}. All these correlations refer to the average orbital variability, and we conclude that the H-alpha and gamma-ray emission processes in LSI+61303 are connected. The possible physical scenario is briefly discussed.

### Modulated Gamma-ray emission from compact millisecond pulsar binary systems

A significant amount of the millisecond pulsars has been discovered within binary systems. In several such binary systems the masses of the companion stars have been derived allowing to distinguish two classes of objects, called the Black Widow and the Redback binaries. Pulsars in these binary systems are expected to produce winds which, colliding with stellar winds, create conditions for acceleration of electrons. These electrons should interact with the anisotropic radiation from the companion stars producing gamma-ray emission modulated with the orbital period of the binary system. We consider the interaction of a millisecond pulsar (MSP) wind with a very inhomogeneous stellar wind from the companion star within binary systems of the Black Widow and Redback types. It is expected that the pulsar wind should mix efficiently with the inhomogeneous stellar wind. Electrons accelerated in such mixed, turbulent winds can interact with the magnetic field and also strong radiation from the companion star producing not only synchrotron radiation but also gamma-rays in the the Inverse Compton process. Applying numerical methods, we calculated the GeV-TeV gamma-ray spectra and the light curves expected from some millisecond pulsar binary systems. It is concluded that energetic millisecond pulsar binary systems create a new class of TeV gamma-ray sources which could be detectable by the future Cherenkov arrays (e.g. CTA) and possibly also by the extensive campaigns with the present arrays (HESS, MAGIC, VERITAS). However, gamma-ray emission from the millisecond pulsar binary systems is predicted to have different features than those observed in the case of massive TeV gamma-ray binaries such as LS I 303 61 or LS 5039. The maximum in the TeV gamma-ray orbital light curve should appear when the MSP is behind the companion star.

### Long-term TeV and X-ray Observations of the Gamma-ray Binary HESS J0632+057

HESS J0632+057 is the only gamma-ray binary known so far whose position in the sky allows observations with ground-based observatories both in the northern and southern hemispheres. Here we report on long-term observations of HESS J0632+057 conducted with the VERITAS and H.E.S.S. Cherenkov Telescopes and the X-ray Satellite Swift, spanning a time range from 2004 to 2012 and covering most of the system’s orbit. The VHE emission is found to be variable, and is correlated with that at X-ray energies. An orbital period of $315 ^{+6}_{-4}$ days is derived from the X-ray data set, which is compatible with previous results, $P = (321 \pm 5$) days. The VHE light curve shows a distinct maximum at orbital phases close to 0.3, or about 100 days after periastron passage, which coincides with the periodic enhancement of the X-ray emission. Furthermore, the analysis of the TeV data shows for the first time a statistically significant ($> 6.5 \sigma$) detection at orbital phases 0.6–0.9. The obtained gamma-ray and X-ray light curves and the correlation of the source emission at these two energy bands are discussed in the context of the recent ephemeris obtained for the system. Our results are compared to those reported for other gamma-ray binaries.

### Active Galactic Nuclei, Neutrinos, and Interacting Cosmic Rays in NGC 253 & NGC 1068

The galaxies M82, NGC 253, NGC 1068, and NGC 4945 have been detected in gamma-rays by Fermi. Previously, we developed and tested a model for cosmic ray interactions in the starburst galaxy M82. Now, we aim to explore the differences between starburst and active galactic nuclei (AGN) environments by applying our self-consistent model to the starburst galaxy NGC 253 and the Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068. Assuming constant cosmic-ray acceleration efficiency by supernova remnants with Milky-Way parameters, we calculate the cosmic-ray proton and primary and secondary electron/positron populations, predict the radio and gamma-ray spectra, and compare with published measurements. We find that our models easily fits the observed gamma-ray spectrum for NGC 253 while constraining the cosmic ray source spectral index and acceleration efficiency. However, we encountered difficultly modeling the observed radio data and constraining the speed of the galactic wind and the magnetic field strength, unless the gas mass is less than currently preferred values. Additionally, our starburst model consistently underestimates the observed gamma-ray flux and overestimates the radio flux for NGC 1068; these issues would be resolved if the AGN is the primary source of gamma-rays. We discuss the implications of these results and make predictions for the neutrino fluxes for both galaxies.

### Monitoring of multi-frequency polarization of gamma-ray bright AGNs

We started two observing programs with the Korean VLBI Network (KVN) monitoring changes in the flux density and polarization of relativistic jets in gamma-ray bright AGNs simultaneously at 22, 43, 86, 129 GHz. One is a single-dish weekly-observing program in dual polarization with KVN 21-m diameter radio telescopes beginning in 2011 May. The other is a VLBI monthly-observing program with the three-element VLBI network at an angular resolution range of 1.0–9.2 mas beginning in 2012 December. The monitoring observations aim to study correlation of variability in gamma-ray with that in radio flux density and polarization of relativistic jets when they flare up. These observations enable us to study the origin of the gamma-ray flares of AGNs.

### The RoboPol optical polarization survey of gamma-ray - loud blazars

We present first results from RoboPol, a novel-design optical polarimeter operating at the Skinakas Observatory in Crete. The data, taken during the May – June 2013 commissioning of the instrument, constitute a single-epoch linear polarization survey of a sample of gamma-ray – loud blazars, defined according to unbiased and objective selection criteria, easily reproducible in simulations, as well as a comparison sample of, otherwise similar, gamma-ray – quiet blazars. As such, the results of this survey are appropriate for both phenomenological population studies and for tests of theoretical population models. We have measured polarization fractions as low as $0.015$ down to $R$ magnitude of 17 and as low as $0.035$ down to 18 magnitude. The hypothesis that the polarization fractions of gamma-ray – loud and gamma-ray – quiet blazars are drawn from the same distribution is rejected at the $10^{-3}$ level. We therefore conclude that gamma-ray – loud and gamma-ray – quiet sources have different optical polarization properties. This is the first time this statistical difference is demonstrated in optical wavelengths. The polarization fraction distributions of both samples are well-described by exponential distributions with averages of $\langle p \rangle =6.7 ^{+1.0}_{-0.8}\times 10^{-2}$ for gamma-ray–loud blazars, and $\langle p \rangle =3.2 ^{+1.8}_{-1.0}\times 10^{-2}$ for gamma-ray–quiet blazars. The most probable value for the difference of the means is $3.4^{+1.5}_{-2.0}\times 10^{-2}$. The distribution of polarization angles is statistically consistent with being uniform.

### A tale of cosmic rays narrated in gamma rays by Fermi

Because cosmic rays are charged particles scrambled by magnetic fields, combining direct measurements with other observations is crucial to understanding their origin and propagation. As energetic particles traverse matter and electromagnetic fields, they leave marks in the form of neutral interaction products. Among those, gamma rays trace interactions of nuclei that inelastically collide with interstellar gas, as well as of leptons that undergo Bremsstrahlung and inverse-Compton scattering. Data collected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) are therefore telling us the story of cosmic rays along their journey from sources through their home galaxies. Supernova remnants emerge as a notable gamma-ray source population, and older remnants interacting with interstellar matter finally show strong evidence of the presence of accelerated nuclei. Yet the maximum energy attained by shock accelerators is poorly constrained. Cygnus X, a massive star-forming region established by the LAT as housing cosmic-ray sources, provides a test case to study the impact of wind-driven turbulence on the early propagation. Interstellar emission resulting from the large-scale propagation of cosmic rays in the Milky Way is revealed in unprecedented detail that challenges some of the simple assumptions used for the modeling. Moreover, the cosmic-ray induced gamma-ray luminosities of galaxies scale quasi-linearly with their massive- star formation rates, and suggests that for most systems a substantial fraction of energy in cosmic rays escapes into the intergalactic medium. The nuclear production models and the distribution of target gas and radiation fields, not determined precisely enough yet, are key to exploiting the full potential of gamma-ray data. Nevertheless, data being collected by Fermi and complementary observations are bringing us ever closer to solving the cosmic-ray mystery. (abridged)

### MAGIC observations and multifrequency properties of the Flat Spectrum Radio Quasar 3C 279 in 2011

We study the multifrequency emission and spectral properties of the quasar 3C 279. We observed 3C 279 in very high energy (VHE, E>100GeV) gamma rays, with the MAGIC telescopes during 2011, for the first time in stereoscopic mode. We combine these measurements with observations at other energy bands: in high energy (HE, E>100MeV) gamma rays from Fermi-LAT, in X-rays from RXTE, in the optical from the KVA telescope and in the radio at 43GHz, 37GHz and 15GHz from the VLBA, Mets\"ahovi and OVRO radio telescopes and optical polarisation measurements from the KVA and Liverpool telescopes. During the MAGIC observations (February to April 2011) 3C 279 was in a low state in optical, X-ray and gamma rays. The MAGIC observations did not yield a significant detection. These upper limits are in agreement with the extrapolation of the HE gamma-ray spectrum, corrected for extragalactic background light absorption, from Fermi-LAT. The second part of the MAGIC observations in 2011 was triggered by a high activity state in the optical and gamma-ray bands. During the optical outburst the optical electric vector position angle rotatated of about 180 degrees. There was no simultaneous rotation of the 43GHz radio polarisation angle. No VHE gamma rays were detected by MAGIC, and the derived upper limits suggest the presence of a spectral break or curvature between the Fermi-LAT and MAGIC bands. The combined upper limits are the strongest derived to date for the source at VHE and below the level of the previously detected flux by a factor 2. Radiation models that include synchrotron and inverse Compton emissions match the optical to gamma-ray data, assuming an emission component inside the broad line region (BLR) responsible for the high-energy emission and one outside the BLR and the infrared torus causing optical and low-energy emission. We interpreted the optical polarisation with a bent trajectory model.

### Comptonization signatures in the prompt emission of Gamma Ray Bursts [Replacement]

We report results of a systematic study of the broad–band (2–2000 keV) time–resolved prompt emission spectra of a sample of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) detected with both the Wide Field Cameras (WFCs) aboard the BeppoSAX satellite and the BATSE experiment aboard CGRO. The main goal of the paper is to test spectral models of the GRB prompt emission that have recently been proposed. In particular, we test the photospheric model proposed by Ryde and Pe’er (2009), i.e., blackbody plus power–law, the addition of a blackbody emission to the Band function in the cases in which this function does not fit the data, and the Comptonization model developed by Titarchuk et al. (2012). By considering the few spectra for which the simple Band function does not provide a fully acceptable fit to the data (Frontera et al. 2012), only in one case we find a statistically significant better fit by adding a blackbody to this function. We confirm the results found fitting the BATSE spectra alone with a blackbody plus a power law. Instead when the BATSE GRB spectra are joined to those obtained with WFCs (2–28 keV), this model becomes unacceptable in most of time intervals in which we subdivide the GRB light curves. We find instead that the Comptonization model is always acceptable, even in the few cases in which the Band function is inconsistent with the data. We discuss the implications of these results.

### Comptonization signatures in the prompt emission of Gamma Ray Bursts

We report results of a systematic study of the broad–band (2–2000 keV) time-resolved prompt emission spectra of a sample of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) detected with both the Wide Field Cameras(WFCs) aboard the BeppoSAX satellite and the BATSE experiment aboard CGRO. The main goal of the paper is to test spectral models of the GRB prompt emission that have recently been proposed. In particular, we test the photospheric model proposed by Ryde and Pe’er (2009), i.e., blackbody plus power–law, the addition of a blackbody emission to the Band function in the cases in which this function does not fit the data, and the Comptonization model developed by Titarchuk et al. (2012). By considering the few spectra for which the simple Band function does not provide a fully acceptable fit to the data (Frontera et al. 2012), only in one case we find a statistically significant better fit by adding a blackbody to this function. We confirm the results found by Ryde and Pe’er (2009) using the BATSE spectra alone. Instead when the BATSE GRB spectra are joined to those obtained with WFCs (2–28 keV), their model becomes unacceptable in most of time intervals in which we subdivide the GRB light curves. We find instead that the Comptonization model is always acceptable, even in the few cases in which the Band function is inconsistent with the data. We discuss the implications of these results.

### Reevaluation of the Prospect of Observing Neutrinos from Galactic Sources in the Light of Recent Results in Gamma Ray and Neutrino Astronomy

In light of the recent IceCube evidence for a flux of extraterrestrial neutrinos, we revisit the prospect of observing the sources of the Galactic cosmic rays. In particular, we update the predictions for the neutrino flux expected from sources in the nearby star-forming region in Cygnus taking into account recent TeV gamma ray measurements of their spectra. We consider the three Milagro sources: MGRO J2019+37, MGRO J1908+06 and MGRO J2031+41 and calculate the attainable confidence level limits and statistical significance as a function of the exposure time. We also evaluate the prospects for a kilometer-scale detector in the Mediterranean to observe and elucidate the origin of the cosmic neutrino flux measured by IceCube.

### Dissipation in Relativistic Outflows: A Multisource Overview

Relativistically expanding sources of X-rays and gamma-rays cover an enormous range of (central) compactness and Lorentz factor. The underlying physics is discussed, with an emphasis on how the dominant dissipative mode and the emergent spectrum depend on these parameters. Photons advected outward from high optical depth are a potentially important source of Compton seeds. Their characteristic energy is bounded below by ~1 MeV in pair-loaded outflows of relatively low compactness, and remains near ~1 MeV at very high compactness and low matter loading. This is compared with the characteristic energy of O(1) MeV observed in the rest frame spectra of many sources, including gamma-ray bursts, OSSE jet sources, MeV Blazars, and the intense initial 0.1 s pulse of the March 5 event. Additional topics discussed include the feedback of pair creation on electron heating and the formation of non-thermal spectra, their effectiveness at shielding the dissipative zone from ambient photons, direct Compton damping of irregularities in the outflow, the relative importance of various soft photon sources, and the softening of the emergent spectrum that results from heavy matter loading. The implications of this work for X-ray and optical afterglow from GRB’s are briefly considered. Direct synchrotron emission behind the forward shock is inhibited by the extremely low energy density of the ambient magnetic field. Mildly relativistic ejecta off axis from the main gamma-ray emitting cone become optically thin to scattering on a timescale of ~1 day (E/10^{52} erg)^{1/2}, and can be a direct source of afterglow radiation.

### Broadband Pulsations from PSR B1821-24: Implications for Emission Models and the Pulsar Population of M28

We report a 5.4\sigma\ detection of pulsed gamma rays from PSR B1821-24 in the globular cluster M28 using ~44 months of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) data that have been reprocessed with improved instrument calibration constants. We constructed a phase-coherent ephemeris, with post-fit residual RMS of 3 \mu s, using radio data spanning ~23.2 years, enabling measurements of the multi-wavelength light curve properties of PSR B1821-24 at the milliperiod level. We fold RXTE observations of PSR B1821-24 from 1996 to 2007 and discuss implications on the emission zones. The gamma-ray light curve consists of two peaks, separated by 0.41$\pm$0.02 in phase, with the first gamma-ray peak lagging the first radio peak by 0.05$\pm$0.02 in phase, consistent with the phase of giant radio pulses. We observe significant emission in the off-peak interval of PSR B1821-24 with a best-fit LAT position inconsistent with the core of M28. We do not detect significant gamma-ray pulsations at the spin or orbital periods from any other known pulsar in M28, and we place limits on the number of energetic pulsars in the cluster. The derived gamma-ray efficiency, ~2%, is typical of other gamma-ray pulsars with comparable spin-down power, suggesting that the measured spin-down rate ($2.2\times10^{36}$ erg s$^{-1}$) is not appreciably distorted by acceleration in the cluster potential. This confirms PSR B1821-24 as the second very energetic millisecond pulsar in a globular cluster and raises the question of whether these represent a separate class of objects that only form in regions of very high stellar density

### Black Holes, Supernovae and Gamma Ray Bursts

We review recent progress in our understanding of the nature of gamma ray bursts (GRBs) and in particular, of the relationship between short GRBs and long GRBs. The first example of a short GRB is described. The coincidental occurrence of a GRB with a supernova (SN) is explained within the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm, following the sequence: 1) an initial binary system consists of a compact carbon-oxygen (CO) core star and a neutron star (NS); 2) the CO core explodes as a SN, and part of the SN ejecta accretes onto the NS which reaches its critical mass and collapses to a black hole (BH) giving rise to a GRB; 3) a new NS is generated by the SN as a remnant. The observational consequences of this scenario are outlined.

### A Time Resolved Study of the Broad Line Region in Blazar 3C 454.3

We present multi-epoch optical observations of the blazar 3C 454.3 (z = 0.859) from 2008 August through 2011 December, using the SMARTS Consortium 1.5m+RCSpectrograph and 1.3m+ANDICAM in Cerro Tololo, Chile. The spectra reveal that the broad optical emission lines Mg II, H-beta and H-gamma are far less variable than the optical or gamma-ray continuum. Although, the gamma-rays varied by a factor of 100 above the EGRET era flux, the lines generally vary by a factor of 2 or less. Smaller variations in the gamma-ray flux did not produce significant variation in any of the observed emission lines. Therefore, to first order, the ionizing flux from the disk changes only slowly during large variations of the jet. However, two exceptions in the response of the broad emission lines are reported during the largest gamma-ray flares in 2009 December and 2010 November, when significant deviations from the mean line flux in H-gamma and Mg II were observed. H-gamma showed a maximum 3-sigma and 4-sigma deviation in each flare, respectively, corresponding to a factor of 1.7 and 2.5 increase in flux. Mg II showed a 2-sigma deviation in both flares; no variation was detected in H-beta during either flare. These significant deviations from the mean line flux also coincide with 7mm core ejections reported previously (Jorstad et al. 2012). The correlation of the increased emission line flux with mm core ejections, and gamma-ray, optical and UV flares suggests that the broad line region extends beyond the gamma-emitting region during the 2009 and 2010 flares.

### Neutrino production from photo-hadronic interactions of the gamma flux from Active Galactic Nuclei with their gas content

The diffuse neutrino flux from FRI and BL Lac type galaxies generated from interactions of their own gamma radiation with the gas and dust at the sources is reported. This neutrino-production channel has not been studied in detail up to now. The calculations are based on individual estimations of the neutrino flux in two nearby AGN’s: Centaurus A and M87, assuming the validity of the AGN unification model. The predictions for Centaurus A and M87 involved the parameterization of the measured gamma-ray luminosities and the modeling of the material of the galaxies both based on observations performed by several detectors. No hadronic origin for the TeV photons is assumed. The results show that, although the corresponding neutrino flux ($E^{2} \Phi_{\nu + \bar{\nu}} < 10^{-13} s^{-1} sr^{-1} GeV cm^{-2}$) is not competitive at high-energies ($E_\nu > 1 TeV$) with that from hadronic models, FRI and BL Lac galaxies with gamma emission should be already contributing to the diffuse flux of neutrinos in the universe.

### The Environment around the Young Massive Star Cluster RSGC 1 and HESS J1837-069

We report on Mopra observations toward the young massive star cluster RSGC 1, adjoined by, and possibly associated with the gamma-ray source HESS J1837-069. We measure the CO (J=1-0) distribution around the cluster and gamma-ray source, and find that the cluster is slightly higher than the velocity ranges associated with the Crux-Scutum arm. We reveal the cluster is associated with much less molecular gas compared with other young massive clusters in the Galaxy, Westerlund 1 (Wd 1) and 2 (Wd 2), which also radiate gamma-rays. We find no other structures that would otherwise indicate the action of supernova remnants, and due to the lack of material which may form gamma-rays by hadronic interaction, we conclude that the gamma-rays detected from HESS J1837-069 are not created through proton-proton interactions, and may more plausibly originate from the pulsar that was recently found near RSGC 1.

### The Crab pulsar wind nebula: our laboratory of the non-thermal Universe

The Crab nebula and its pulsar (referred to together as "Crab") have historically played a central role in astrophysics. True to this legacy, several unique discoveries have been made recently. The Crab was found to emit gamma-ray pulsations up to energies of 400 GeV, beyond what was previously expected from pulsars. Strong gamma-ray flares, of durations of a few days were discovered from within the nebula, while the source was previously expected to be stable in flux on these time scales. In this article, we review our current understanding of pulsar wind nebulae and discuss the importance of the Crab to our general understanding of high-energy phenomena, in the context of these exciting developments.

### Constraints on Blazar Jet Conditions During Gamma-Ray Flaring from Radiative Transfer Modeling

As part of a program to investigate jet flow conditions during GeV gamma-ray flares detected by Fermi, we are using UMRAO multi-frequency, centimeter-band total flux density and linear polarization monitoring observations to constrain radiative transfer models incorporating propagating shocks orientated at an arbitrary angle to the flow direction. We describe the characteristics of the model, illustrate how the data are used to constrain the models, and present results for three program sources with diverse characteristics: PKS 0420-01, OJ 287, and 1156+295. The modeling of the observed spectral behavior yields information on the sense, strength and orientation of the shocks producing the radio-band flaring; on the energy distribution of the radiating particles; and on the observer’s viewing angle with respect to the jet independent of VLBI data. We present evidence that, while a random component dominates the jet magnetic field, a distinguishing feature of those radio events with an associated gamma-ray flare is the presence of a weak but non-negligible ordered magnetic field component along the jet axis.

### Remote control and telescope auto-alignment system for multiangle LIDAR under development at CEILAP, Argentina [Cross-Listing]

At CEILAP (CITEDEF-CONICET), a multiangle LIDAR is under development to monitor aerosol extinction coefficients in the frame of the CTA (Cherenkov Telescope Array) Project. This is an initiative to build the next generation of ground-based instruments to collect very high energy gamma-ray radiation (>10 GeV). The atmospheric conditions are very important for CTA observations, and LIDARs play an important role in the measurement of the aerosol optical depth at any direction. The LIDAR being developed at CEILAP was conceived to operate in harsh environmental conditions during the shifts, and these working conditions may produce misalignments. To minimize these effects, the telescopes comprising the reception unit are controlled by a self-alignment system. This paper describes the self-alignment method and hardware automation.

### Testing time variability of gamma-ray flux

A way of examining a hypothetical non–zero $\gamma$–ray signal for the time changes is presented. The time variability of the recently observed $\gamma$–ray source PKS 2155–304 is discussed. Several measurements were found to be excessive or deficient with large significances on time scales of months and days.

### Gamma-ray pulsar physics: gap-model populations and light-curve analyses in the FERMI era

This thesis research focusses on the study of the young and energetic isolated ordinary pulsar population detected by the Fermi gamma-ray space telescope. We compared the model expectations of four emission models and the LAT data. We found that all the models fail to reproduce the LAT detections, in particular the large number of high spin-down power objects observed. This inconsistency is not model dependent. A discrepancy between the radio-loud/radio-quiet objects ratio was also found between the observed and predicted samples. The gamma-ray luminosity proportional to the 0.5 power of the spin-down power relation is robustly confirmed by all the assumed models with particular agreement in the slot gap (SG) case. On luminosity bases, the intermediate altitude emission of the two pole caustic SG model is favoured. The beaming factor shows an spin-down power dependency that is slightly visible in theSG case. Estimates of the pulsar orientations have been obtained to explain the simultaneous gamma and radio light-curves. By analysing the solutions we found a relation between the observed energy cutoff and the width of the emission slot gap. This relation has been theoretically predicted. A possible magnetic obliquity alignment with time is rejected -for all the models- on timescale of the order of a million years. The light-curve morphology study shows that the outer magnetosphere gap emission are favoured to explain the observed radio-gamma lag. The light curve moment studies (symmetry and sharpness) on the contrary favour a two pole caustic slot gap emission. All the model predictions suggest a different magnetic field layout with an hybrid two pole caustic and intermediate altitude emission to explain both the pulsar luminosity and light curve morphology . The low magnetosphere emission mechanism of the polar cap model, is systematically rejected by all the tests done.

### Probing the extragalactic background light with H.E.S.S

The imprint of cosmic backgrounds in the gamma ray spectra of blazars has recently been detected by H.E.S.S. and Fermi-LAT, opening the way to studies of gamma-ray propagation on cosmological scales. This proceeding discusses the current constraints on the extragalactic background light (EBL), the effort to increase the collection of blazars detected at TeV energies, and a crucial part of the science case of next-generation instruments: gamma-ray cosmology.

### Cosmological Time Dilation in Durations of Swift Long Gamma-Ray Bursts

Cosmological time dilation is a fundamental phenomenon in an expanding universe, which stresses that both the duration and wavelength of the emitted light from a distant object at the redshift $z$ will be dilated by a factor of $1+z$ at the observer. By using a sample of 139 \emph{Swift} long GRBs with known redshift ($z\leq8.2$), we measure the observed duration ($T_{90}$) in the observed energy range between $140/(1+z)$ keV and $350/(1+z)$ keV, corresponding to a fixed energy range of 140-350 keV in the rest frame. We obtain a significant correlation between the duration and the factor $1+z$, i.e., $T_{\rm{90}}=10.5(1+z)^{0.94\pm0.26}$, which is well consistent with that expected from cosmological time dilation effect.

### Determination of the Point-Spread Function for the Fermi Large Area Telescope from On-orbit Data and Limits on Pair Halos of Active Galactic Nuclei

The Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is a pair-conversion telescope designed to detect photons with energies from 20 MeV to > 300 GeV. The pre-launch response functions of the LAT were determined through extensive Monte Carlo simulations and beam tests. The point-spread function (PSF) characterizing the angular distribution of reconstructed photons as a function of energy and geometry in the detector is determined here from two years of on-orbit data by examining the distributions of \gamma rays from pulsars and active galactic nuclei (AGN). Above 3 GeV, the PSF is found to be broader than the pre-launch PSF. We checked for dependence of the PSF on the class of \gamma-ray source and observation epoch and found none. We also investigated several possible spatial models for pair-halo emission around BL Lac AGN. We found no evidence for a component with spatial extension larger than the PSF and set upper limits on the amplitude of halo emission in stacked images of low and high redshift BL Lac AGN and the TeV blazars 1ES0229+200 and 1ES0347-121.

### Intrinsic brightness temperatures of blazar jets at 15 GHz

We have developed a new Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to deconvolve light curves of blazars into individual flares, including proper estimation of the fit errors. We use the method to fit 15\,GHz light curves obtained within the OVRO 40-m blazar monitoring program where a large number of AGN have been monitored since 2008 in support of the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope mission. The time scales obtained from the fitted models are used to calculate the variability brightness temperature of the sources. Additionally, we have calculated brightness temperatures of a sample of these objects using Very Long Baseline Array data from the MOJAVE survey. Combining these two data sets enables us to study the intrinsic brightness temperature distribution in these blazars at 15 GHz. Our preliminary results indicate that the mean intrinsic brightness temperature in a sample of 14 sources is near the equipartition brightness temperature of $\sim 10^{11}$K.

### On the connection between radio and gamma rays. Variability and polarization properties in relativistic jets

Relativistic jets are one of the most powerful manifestations of the release of energy produced around supermassive black holes at the centre of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Their emission is observed across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from the radio band to gamma rays. Despite decades of efforts, many aspects of the physics of relativistic jets remain elusive. In particular, the location and the mechanisms responsible for the high-energy emission and the connection of the variability at different wavelengths are among the greatest challenges in the study of AGN. From the comparison of the radio and gamma-ray light curves of gamma-ray flaring objects, there is evidence that some flares, either in radio or in gamma rays, have not an obvious connection at the other extreme of the electromagnetic spectrum, like in the case of the Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 SBS 0846+513. An intriguing aspect pointed out by high resolution radio observations is the change of the polarization properties close in time with some high energy flares. In particular, in PKS 1510-089 and 3C 454.3 a rotation of almost 90 degrees has been observed after strong gamma-ray flares. The swing of the polarization angle may be related either to the propagation of a shock along the jet that orders the magnetic field, or a change of the opacity regime.

### Application of Jitter Radiation: Gamma-ray Burst Prompt Polarization

A high-degree of polarization of gamma-ray burst (GRB) prompt emission has been confirmed in recent years. In this paper, we apply jitter radiation to study the polarization feature of GRB prompt emission. In our framework, relativistic electrons are accelerated by turbulent acceleration. Random and small-scale magnetic fields are generated by turbulence. We further determine that the polarization property of GRB prompt emission is governed by the configuration of the random and small-scale magnetic fields. A two-dimensional compressed slab, which contains stochastic magnetic fields, is applied in our model. If the jitter condition is satisfied, the electron deflection angle in the magnetic field is very small and the electron trajectory can be treated as a straight line. A high-degree of polarization can be achieved when the angle between the line of sight and the slab plane is small. Moreover, micro-emitters with mini-jet structure are considered to be within a bulk GRB jet. The jet "off-axis" effect is intensely sensitive to the observed polarization degree. We discuss the depolarization effect on GRB prompt emission and afterglow. We also speculate that the rapid variability of GRB prompt polarization may be correlated with the stochastic variability of the turbulent dynamo or the magnetic reconnection of plasmas.

### Pulse-wise Amati correlation in Fermi GRBs

We make a detailed pulse-wise study of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with known redshift detected by \emph{Fermi}/Gamma Ray Burst Monitor (GBM). The sample contains 19 GRBs with 43 pulses. We find that the average peak energy is correlated to the radiated energy (the Amati relation) for individual pulses with a correlation coefficient of 0.86, which is slightly better than the correlation for the full GRBs. As the present correlation holds within GRBs, it is a strong evidence supporting the reliability of such a correlation. We investigate several aspects of this correlation. (i) We divide our sample into redshift bins and study the evolution of the correlation. Though there is a marginal indication of evolution of the correlation, we can conclude that the present data is consistent with no evolution. (ii) We compare the correlation in the first or single pulses of these GRBs to that of the rest of the pulses, and confirm that the correlation is unaffected by the fact that first/single pulses are generally harder than the rest. Finally, we conclude that the pulse-wise Amati correlation is more robust and it has the potential of refining the correlation so that GRB study could be used as a cosmological tool.

### Kinematics of massive star ejecta in the Milky Way as traced by 26Al

Massive stars form in groups and their winds and supernova explosions create superbubbles up to kpc in size. Their ejecta are important for the dynamics of the interstellar medium and chemical evolution models. However, ejecta kinematics and the characteristic scales in space and time are rather unexplored beyond ~10 ka. Through measurement of radioactive 26Al with its decay time constant of ~10^6 years, we aim to trace the kinematics of massive-star and supernova ejecta over million-year time scales. Our goal is to identify the mixing time scale and the spatio-kinematics of such ejecta from the pc to kpc scale. We use the SPI spectrometer on INTEGRAL and its observations along the Galactic ridge to trace the line shape of the 1808.63 keV gamma-ray line from 26Al decay. We determine line centroids and compare these to Doppler shift expectations from large-scale systematic rotation around the Galaxy’s center, as observed in other Galactic objects. We measure the radial velocities of gas traced by 26Al, averaged over the line of sight, as a function of Galactic longitude. We find substantially higher velocities than expected from Galactic rotation, the average bulk velocity being ~200 km s^-1 larger than the Galactic-rotation prediction. The observed radial velocity spread implies a Doppler-broadening of the gamma-ray line that is consistent with our measurements of the overall line width. We can reproduce the observed characteristics with 26Al sources located along the inner spiral arms, when we add a global blow-out into the forward direction away from arms, such as expected from massive stars offset towards the spiral-arm leading edge. The superbubbles-halo connection implies angular-momentum transfer in the disk-halo system and also radial gas flows.

### Prospects for Detecting Gamma Rays from Annihilating Dark Matter in Dwarf Galaxies in the Era of DES and LSST

Among the most stringent constraints on the dark matter annihilation cross section are those derived from observations of dwarf galaxies by the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. As current (e.g., Dark Energy Survey, DES) and future (Large Scale Synoptic Telescope, LSST) optical imaging surveys discover more of the Milky Way’s ultra-faint satellite galaxies, they may increase Fermi’s sensitivity to dark matter annihilations. In this study, we use a semi-analytic model of the Milky Way’s satellite population to predict the characteristics of the dwarfs likely to be discovered by DES and LSST, and project how these discoveries will impact Fermi’s sensitivity to dark matter. While we find that modest improvements are likely, the dwarf galaxies discovered by DES and LSST are unlikely to increase Fermi’s sensitivity by more than a factor of ~2.

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