A possible connection between magnetars and gamma-ray bursts

We argue that magnetars, neutron stars with strong magnetic fields can be the powerhouses behind some gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), thanks to effects only possible in presence of high magnetic fields. The production of axions in supernova cores by pair anihilation e(+)e(-) --> a is possible in such intense magnetic fields. A fraction of the similar to 10(53) erg of binding energy of the newly created neutron star escapes with this axion flux. However, axions in high magnetic fields decay through a --> e(+)e(-) with mean life tau similar to 10(-4) s, therefore close to, the magnetar, producing the relativistic shock with similar to 10(51) erg ("fireball") and the GRB. At least one, GRB was coincident with an "anomalous" supernova Ic, supporting this scenario.