Empirical constraints on the origin of fast radio bursts: volumetric rates and host galaxy demographics as a test of millisecond magnetar connection

Understand

The localization of the repeating FRB 121102 to a low-metallicity dwarf galaxy at $z=0.193$, and its association with a quiescent radio source, suggests the possibility that FRBs originate from magnetars, formed by the unusual supernovae in such galaxies.

• We investigate this via a comparison of magnetar birth rates, the FRB volumetric rate, and host galaxy demographics.
• We calculate average volumetric rates of possible millisecond magnetar production channels such as superluminous supernovae (SLSNe), long and short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and general magnetar production via core-collapse supernovae.
• For each channel we also explore the expected host galaxy demographics using their known properties.