Three-Dimensional Evolution of a Relativistic Current Sheet: Triggering of Magnetic Reconnection by the Guide Field
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0033 (Japan)
The linear and nonlinear evolution of a relativistic current sheet of pair (e{sup {+-}}) plasmas is investigated by three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. In a Harris configuration, it is obtained that the magnetic energy is fast dissipated by the relativistic drift kink instability (RDKI). However, when a current-aligned magnetic field (the so-called 'guide field') is introduced, the RDKI is stabilized by the magnetic tension force and it separates into two obliquely propagating modes, which we call the relativistic drift-kink-tearing instability. These two waves deform the current sheet so that they trigger relativistic magnetic reconnection at a crossover thinning point. Since relativistic reconnection produces a lot of nonthermal particles, the guide field is of critical importance to study the energetics of a relativistic current sheet.
- OSTI ID:
- 20699373
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review Letters, Vol. 95, Issue 9; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.095001; (c) 2005 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0031-9007
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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