Effect of the Reconnection Electric Field on Electron Distribution Functions in the Diffusion Region of Magnetotail Reconnection

Bessho, N.; Chen, L. ‐J.; Wang, S.; Hesse, M.

doi:10.1029/2018GL081216

Title: Effect of the Reconnection Electric Field on Electron Distribution Functions in the Diffusion Region of Magnetotail Reconnection

Journal Article · 27 November 2018 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL081216 · OSTI ID:1483735

^[1];

^[2]

Department of Astronomy University of Maryland College Park MD USA, Heliophysics Science Division NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt MD USA
Birkeland Centre for Space Science University of Bergen Bergen Norway, Southwest Research Institute San Antonio TX USA

Abstract Electron distribution functions in the electron diffusion region during symmetric magnetic reconnection are investigated by means of theory and fully kinetic simulations. Crescent‐like striations are formed in distribution functions in the velocity plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. Using an analytical current sheet, we solve the equation of motion for electrons, and derive the shape of a crescent distribution, as a function of the distance from the neutral line, field gradients, and the reconnection electric field. Each crescent is tilted in the velocity plane because of the acceleration by the reconnection electric field, and multiple stripes appear due to multiple meandering bounces. Applying the theory to distribution functions observed in Earth's magnetotail, we deduce the amplitude of the reconnection electric field.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0016278

OSTI ID:: 1483735

Journal Information:: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 22 Vol. 45; ISSN 0094-8276

Publisher:: American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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