Exploring the nature of Gamma-Ray Burst progenitors: afterglow analysis and search for gravitational waves

Abstract

Broad-band observations of Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) afterglows represent an indirect tool to constrain the nature of GRB progenitors. Moreover, the expected emission in gravitational waves (GWs) could allow one to derive more direct information on its nature.

In this framework, a study of GRB sources carried out in both the electromagnetic and GW domains is presented. Looking for GW signals associated with GRBs, an analysis of Virgo interferometer data in coincidence with a typical long GRB is discussed.