On the relationship between quadrupolar magnetic field and collisionless reconnection

Journal Article · Sun Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4885097· OSTI ID:22299960

Belmont, G. ^[1]; Aunai, N. ^[2]; Boniface, C. ^[3]; Fuchs, J. ^[4]

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1. LPP, University P. and M. Curie, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, F-91128 Palaiseau (France)
2. IRAP, University Paul Sabatier, F-31028 Toulouse (France)
3. CEA/DAM, DIF, F-91297 Arpajon (France)
4. LULI, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, CEA, University P. and M. Curie, F-91128 Palaiseau (France)

Using hybrid simulations, we investigate the onset of fast reconnection between two cylindrical magnetic shells initially close to each other. This initial state mimics the plasma structure in High Energy Density Plasmas induced by a laser-target interaction and the associated self-generated magnetic field. We clearly observe that the classical quadrupolar structure of the out-of-plane magnetic field appears prior to the reconnection onset. Furthermore, a parametric study reveals that, with a non-coplanar initial magnetic topology, the reconnection onset is delayed and possibly suppressed. The relation between the out-of-plane magnetic field and the out-of-plane electric field is discussed.

• OSTI ID: 22299960
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 21, Issue 6; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ENERGY DENSITY
LASER TARGETS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
PLASMA
PLASMA SIMULATION
TOPOLOGY