UhE cosmic rays and AGN jets

Abstract

Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and their relativistic jets are believed to be potential sites of ultrahigh-energy (UHE) cosmic ray acceleration. This paper reviews basic observational findings as well as requirements on source energetics, and then discusses the relevance of different acceleration sites and mechanisms, such as black hole gap, shock in back-flows or jet shear acceleration. When put in context, the result suggests that Fermi-type particle acceleration at trans-relativistic shocks and/or in shearing, relativistic flows offers the most promising framework for UHECR production in AGN. Truly deciphering the astrophysical sources of UHECRs, however, still needs improved statistical information on arrival directions and source correlations.