Can ultrarelativistic neutrons from the central engine drive the outflow in broad absorption line QSOS?

We present a model that can explain many features of the very fast (∼ 0.1c) outflows that are observed in broad absorption line QSOs (BALQSOs). In this model, the outflow is accelerated primarily by the pressure of ultrarelativistic protons. These protons are deposited in the wind, over a range of radii, by the decay of ultrarelativistic neutrons escaping from the central engine. Recent models for non-thermal processes in the central engine of an AGN predict such a neutron flux. Since the energy deposition is predicted to peak at distances of order 1—10 pc, the main acceleration will occur outside the broad emission line region (BELR), as is required by the observations.