Generation of a Strong Parallel Electric Field and Embedded Electron Jet in the Exhaust of Moderate Guide Field Reconnection

Journal Article · 22 July 2022 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL098907 · OSTI ID:1877416

Wetherton, Blake A.  ^[1]; Egedal, Jan  ^[2]; Le, Ari  ^[3]; Daughton, William  ^[3]

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1. Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos NM USA, Department of Physics University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
2. Department of Physics University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
3. Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos NM USA

Abstract Magnetospheric Multiscale observed an extended current layer concurrent with a strong parallel electric field. The current layer is embedded in the reconnection exhaust and is consistent with an extended magnetized jet expected in roughly symmetric moderate guide field reconnection. The strong parallel electric field observed at the jet balances a strong gradient in the parallel electron pressure caused by a transition between magnetized electrons with T _{e ‖}  >  T _{e ⊥} on one side of the jet and demagnetized, roughly isotropic electrons across the thin current layer. Simulation results show how this transition can occur and how the associated electron pressure gradients in Ohm's law balance the parallel electric field.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
• Grant/Contract Number: 89233218CNA000001; FG02-97ER25308
• OSTI ID: 1877416
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-22-22917; e2022GL098907
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 14 Vol. 49; ISSN 0094-8276
• Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English