The Structure and Dynamics of GRB Jets

Abstract

There are several lines of evidence which suggest that the relativistic outflows in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are collimated into narrow jets. The jet structure has important implications for the true energy release and the event rate of GRBs, and can constrain the mechanism responsible for the acceleration and collimation of the jet. Nevertheless, the jet structure and its dynamics as it sweeps up the external medium and decelerates, are not well understood. In this review I discuss our current understanding of GRB jets, stressing their structure and dynamics.

27 pages, 26 figures; invited review for the proceedings of the conference "Triggering Relativistic Jets", held in Cozumel, Mexico, on March 28 to April 1, 2005; accepted for publication in Rev. Mex. A&A