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Understanding Dispersive Waves and Magnetic Reconnection in Plasma Physics

This study by Alex Flanagan and co-authors investigates the dynamics of magnetic reconnection and the role of dispersive waves, including whistler and kinetic Alfven waves. Magnetic reconnection occurs in various astrophysical settings such as the solar corona and magnetosphere, converting magnetic energy into kinetic and thermal energy. The research highlights the relationship between dispersive waves and the reconnection rate, emphasizing that fast reconnection can occur under specific conditions where these waves are present. The findings suggest a complex interplay rather than a binary distinction between fast and slow reconnection events.

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Understanding Dispersive Waves and Magnetic Reconnection in Plasma Physics

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  1. Dispersive Waves and Magnetic Reconnection Alex Flanagan (University of Wisconsin) J. F. Drake (UMD), M. Swisdak (UMD)

  2. Magnetic Reconnection? • Magnetic energy converted to kinetic and thermal energy • Occurs in solar corona, magnetosphere, laboratory plasma experiments, and even at edge of solar system

  3. Generalized Ohm’s Law Hall term = whistler waves Electron pressure gradient = kinetic Alfvén waves

  4. Dispersive Waves Dispersive waves: Linear waves:

  5. Sweet-Parker v Fast Reconnection Reconnection Rate Sweet-Parker reconnection: Fast reconnection:

  6. PIC Simulations Kinetic Particle-in-Cell Simulations • Look for: • Size and scaling of dissipation region • Scaling of reconnection rate • Actual reconnection rate of system

  7. Conclusions • Magnetic reconnection is fast in parameter regimes where dispersive waves are possible • There is not a sharp transition between fast and slow reconnection • The parameters we use are similar to those found in solar wind and solar corona

  8. References • Birn, J. et al “Geospace Environmental Modeling (GEM) Magnetic Reconnection Challenge” Journal of Geophysical Research (2001) • Cassak, P. “Catastrophe Model for the Onset of Fast Magnetic Reconnection” Phd Thesis (2006) • Mandt, M. “Transition to Whistler Mediated Magnetic Reconnection” Geophysical Research Letters (1994) • Rodgers, B. “Role of Dispersive Waves in Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection” Physical Review Letters (2001) • Shay, M. “Two-Scale Structure of the Electron Dissipation Region Collisonless Magnetic Reconnection” Physical Review Letters (2007

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