Abstract
We investigate selection effects on the size and frequency relation (logN-logS curve) of cosmic gamma-ray bursts. After analyzing the published data, we find an indication that an effect is caused by the different time profiles of the bursts. The effect is important for small bursts and causes significant changes in the logN-logS curve. in order to avoid this selection effect, we mention that it is essential to use the logN-logP relation of the logN-logS relation, as already suggested by other authors. Here,P is the peak flux of the burst, which is free from bias due to the difference in time profiles. After an analysis of the published data, we find a distribution nearP −3/2 in the range above a peak flux of 40 counts/0.25 s.
We also show that the relation between the logN-logP curve and the observed celestial distribution for the bursts can easily be explained by our general arguments on a disk-like spatial distribution of burst sources in the Galaxy.
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Yamagami, T., Nishimura, J. Selection effects on the size and frequency distribution of cosmic gamma-ray bursts. Astrophys Space Sci 121, 241–253 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00653696
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00653696