Quasiperiodic Oscillation in Short Gamma-Ray Bursts from Black Hole–Neutron Star Mergers

Abstract Short-duration gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) are commonly attributed to the mergers of double neutron stars (NSs) or a star with black hole (BH). While former scenario was confirmed by event GW170817, latter remains elusive. Here, we consider in which an NS is tidally disrupted fast-spinning low-mass BH and accretion onto launches relativistic jet hence produces sGRB. The merging binary’s orbit likely misaligned BH’s spin. Hence, Lense–Thirring precession around may cause hyperaccreting thick disk precess solid-body manner. We propose that jet, initially aligned spin, deflected collimated wind from disk, therefore being forced along disk. This would result quasiperiodic oscillation modulation light curve sGRB, quasi-period ∼0.01–0.1 s. appearance be delayed respective triggering curve. feature, unique BH–NS merger, have already revealed itself few observed sGRBs (such as GRB 130310A), it carries spin–orbit orientation information system. Identification this feature new approach reveal systems, missed current gravitational-wave searching strategy principally targeting systems.