COSMIC-RAY ACCELERATION IN PULSAR-DRIVEN SUPERNOVA-REMNANTS

It is proposed that cosmic rays can be accelerated to energies in the range 10(15)-10(19) eV by the electric fields in pulsar-driven supernova remnants. A potential difference of the required magnitude exists between the pole and the equator (as defined by the axis of rotation of the pulsar) of the supernova remnant. del B drifts allow a cosmic ray to enter at the pole and drift through the nebula to exit near the equator, thus gaining energy. Cosmic ray trajectories are calculated for magnetic and electric fields consistent with models of the Crab nebula. Individual cosmic rays can have their energy increased by factors of greater than 100. Remnants driven by pulsars with ms periods may accelerate protons to 10(19) eV and heavy ions to larger energies.