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Title: The effect of reconnection electric field on crescent and U-shaped distribution functions in asymmetric reconnection with no guide field
NSF-PAR ID:
10028094
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
American Institute of Physics
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Physics of Plasmas
Volume:
24
Issue:
7
ISSN:
1070-664X
Page Range / eLocation ID:
072903
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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  1. 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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