Abstract for Proposal 094372
X-ray Constraints on the Nature of Fast Radio Bursts
We propose one 100 ks XMM-Newton ToO observation to follow up the
position of a newly detected fast radio burst (FRB). Our novel concept
relies on shadowing already scheduled XMM-Newton observations with
extremely sensitive radio observations. The proposed ToO (accompanied
by further radio observations) is then the second observation performed
within a day after the initial radio detection. Comparing both XMM-Newton
observations will, for the first time, constrain i) the decay rate of the
X-ray emission of a FRB, ii) the X-ray spectrum of the FRB counterpart,
and iii) the existence of repeated X-ray bursts. The resulting dataset
will put unique observational constraints on the still unknown nature
of FRBs and will rule out several theoretical models.
Details on Observing Strategy and Trigger Criteria
trigger criteria: new FRB detected in radio data shadowing scheduled
XMM-Newton observations reaction time: within 24 h (the sooner the
better) observing strategy: primary instrument and mode: PN in full
frame window mode