Magnetic field line reconnection experiments 1. Field topologies

Magnetic Field Line Reconnection Experiments, 5. Current Disruptions and Double Layers

In a large laboratory plasma a current sheet is generated in the process of magnetic field line reconnection. The stability of the sheet with respect to local current increases is investigated. When the current density in the center of the sheet exceeds a critical value, spontaneous local current disruptions are observed. The current from the center of the sheet moves out to the sides. Magnetic...

Evolution of field line helicity during magnetic reconnection

Collisionless magnetic reconnection with arbitrary guide-field

A new set of reduced equations governing two-dimensional, two-fluid, collisionless magnetic reconnection with arbitrary guide-field is derived. These equations represent a significant advance in magnetic reconnection theory, since the existing reduced equations used to investigate collisionless reconnection are only valid in the large guide-field limit. The new equations are used to calculate t...

Magnetic field reconnection: A first-principles perspective

New electric field in asymmetric magnetic reconnection.

We present a theory and numerical evidence for the existence of a previously unexplored in-plane electric field in collisionless asymmetric magnetic reconnection. This electric field, dubbed the "Larmor electric field," is associated with finite Larmor radius effects and is distinct from the known Hall electric field. Potentially, it could be an important indicator for the upcoming Magnetospher...