Pulsars: a promising source for high and ultrahigh energy cosmic rays

Abstract

Young pulsars have been scarcely discussed as sources of high and ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECR) in the literature. However, the production of UHECRs in these objects could give a picture that is surprisingly consistent with the latest data measured with the Auger Observatory. Here we discuss the production of high and UHE cosmic rays in pulsars. We compare the propagated UHECR observables from the pulsar population with the available data. Finally, we discuss signatures of such a scenario, that one could find in the diffusive neutrino backgrounds and in the lightcurves of supernovae.