Emission Mechanisms of Fast Radio Bursts

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are recently discovered mysterious single pulses of radio emission, mostly coming from cosmological distances (similar to 1 Gpc). Their short duration, similar to 1 ms, and large luminosity demonstrate coherent emission. I review the basic physics of coherent emission mechanisms proposed for FRBs. In particular, I discuss the curvature emission of bunches, the synchrotron maser, and the emission of radio waves by variable currents during magnetic reconnection. Special attention is paid to magnetar flares as the most promising sources of FRBs. Non-linear effects are outlined that could place bounds on the power of the outgoing radiation.

Automated summary

The study focuses on the basic physics of fast radio bursts, discussing possible coherent emission mechanisms and highlighting magnetar flares as the main sources of FRBs, while outlining non-linear effects that could affect radiation power.