Conversion of magnetic energy in the magnetic reconnection layer of a laboratory plasma

Masaaki Yamada (), Jongsoo Yoo, Jonathan Jara-Almonte, Hantao Ji, Russell M. Kulsrud and Clayton E. Myers
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Masaaki Yamada: Center for Magnetic Self-organization, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University
Jongsoo Yoo: Center for Magnetic Self-organization, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University
Jonathan Jara-Almonte: Center for Magnetic Self-organization, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University
Hantao Ji: Center for Magnetic Self-organization, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University
Russell M. Kulsrud: Center for Magnetic Self-organization, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University
Clayton E. Myers: Center for Magnetic Self-organization, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Magnetic reconnection, in which magnetic field lines break and reconnect to change their topology, occurs throughout the universe. The essential feature of reconnection is that it energizes plasma particles by converting magnetic energy. Despite the long history of reconnection research, how this energy conversion occurs remains a major unresolved problem in plasma physics. Here we report that the energy conversion in a laboratory reconnection layer occurs in a much larger region than previously considered. The mechanisms for energizing plasma particles in the reconnection layer are identified, and a quantitative inventory of the converted energy is presented for the first time in a well-defined reconnection layer; 50% of the magnetic energy is converted to particle energy, 2/3 of which transferred to ions and 1/3 to electrons. Our results are compared with simulations and space measurements, for a key step towards resolving one of the most important problems in plasma physics.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5774

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