Ultra High Energy Cosmic Ray Production via Jet–Obstacle Interactions in Extragalactic AGN Jets

Abstract

Jets of active galactic nuclei are potential accelerators of ultra high-energy cosmic rays. Some objects may reside in the jet region for extended periods and contribute to cosmicray acceleration, especially of heavy nuclei. We explored the role of jet-object interactions inside extragalactic jets in producing UHECRs. Our goal was to characterize the maximum energies of particles accelerated in these events, likely dominated by heavy nuclei, and assess whether such interactions could act as UHECR acceleration sites. We found that jet-object interactions can be sufficiently efficient accelerators, producing cosmic rays with energies up to 100 EeV. These interactions may significantly contribute to the cosmic ray population