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Abstract:
Precursor emissions are found in some short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs). In
this paper, we review the theories and observations of the SGRB
precursor and discuss its prospect as an electromagnetic counterpart of
the gravitational wave event produced by neutron star (NS) mergers. The
observed luminosity, spectrum, and duration of precursors are explained
by the magnetospheric interaction model during the inspiral or the
cocoon/jet shock breakout model during the jet propagation. In general,
these two models predict that the precursor will be weaker than the main
GRB, but will be of a larger opening angle, which makes it an
advantageous gamma-ray counterpart for NS mergers in the local Universe,
especially for NS - black hole mergers with very low mass ratios, in
which the main GRBs are not expected. The joint observation of the
precursor, SGRB, and gravitational wave will help to reveal the jet
launch mechanism and post-merger remnant.
