Numerical Simulations Of Particle Acceleration In Relativistic Shocks With Application To AGN Central Engines

Abstract

Numerical modelling is performed for extreme relativistic parallel shocks with upstream Lorentz factor $\Gamma =50$. Assuming the scattering is either large angle or over pitch angles $\sim {\Gamma }^{-1}$, spectral flattening and shock aaceleration speed-up is found. The energy gain for the first shock cycle is $\sim {\Gamma }^2$. The likely output from relativistic shocks due to the infall from the accretion disk to the AGN black hole is computed. Neutrinos from proton-gamma interactions may be detectable with planned neutrino telescopes.

6 pages, 4 Postscript figures, results presented in "The particles, Fields and Radio Galaxies Workshop", Oxford, UK (2000). Revised version