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We put stringent constraints for the first time on the dust properties in the circumburst medium of a gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow. This is based on the optical spectrum of GRB 020813 (z=1.255), obtained with Keck I LRIS 4.65 h after the burst. From the absorption lines in the spectrum, we derive very high column densities for six heavy elements with different refractory properties. The relative abundances resemble the dust depletion patterns in the Milky Way, from which we infer a visual extinction of A_V=0.4 and A_V>0.3 at 95% confidence level. However, the high columns of metals and dust contrast with an observed UV continuum spectrum that is remarkably close to a power law of the form F_nu propto nu^{-0.9}, with no sign of curvature, or a 2200 A extinction feature, suggesting low reddening. The Milky Way or Magellanic Cloud reddenings are possible only for very low visual extinctions (A_V<0.08 or A_V<0.2, respectively at 95% confidence), inconsistent with the A_V values inferred from the depletion analysis. If we assume a GRB intrinsic spectrum and an extinction law of the forms F_lambda^i = F_V (5500/lambda)^alpha and A_lambda= A_V (5500/lambda)^gamma, we obtain (for A_V=0.4) the constraints from continuum spectrum: gamma<0.85 and alpha<1.72.
In order to study the effect of dust extinction on the afterglow of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), we carry out numerical calculations with high precision based on rigorous Mie theory and latest optical properties of interstellar dust grains, and analyze t
The composition and amount of interstellar dust within gamma-ray burst (GRB) host galaxies is of key importance when addressing selection effects in the GRB redshift distribution, and when studying the properties of their host galaxies. As well as th
We discuss the formation of spectral features in the decelerating ejecta of gamma-ray bursts, including the possible effect of inhomogeneities. These should lead to blueshifted and broadened absorption edges and resonant features, especially from H a
We report the optical polarization of a gamma ray burst (GRB) afterglow, obtained 203 seconds after the initial burst of gamma rays from GRB 060418, using a ring polarimeter on the robotic Liverpool Telescope. Our robust (2-sigma) upper limit on the
We review Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) afterglow follow-up observations being carried out by our group in Korea. We have been performing GRB follow-up observations using the 4-m UKIRT in Hawaii, the 2.1-m telescope at the McDonald observatory in Texas, the