Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010agufmsh21a1796s&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #SH21A-1796
Physics
Plasma Physics
[7526] Solar Physics, Astrophysics, And Astronomy / Magnetic Reconnection, [7829] Space Plasma Physics / Kinetic Waves And Instabilities, [7835] Space Plasma Physics / Magnetic Reconnection, [7845] Space Plasma Physics / Particle Acceleration
Scientific paper
Hard x-ray and gamma ray emission in flares, and energetic particles found by Wind in the magnetosphere imply an association between magnetic reconnection and energetic ions and electrons. One explanation for the acceleration of these particles is by 1st order Fermi acceleration of particles bouncing in contracting magnetic islands. Using a particle-in-cell code, we investigate the effects of β on the acceleration by simulating island growth in multiple interacting Harris current sheets. Many islands are generated, and particles are heated in this context. There is a striking difference between the heating of electrons vs. the heating of ions. There is a strong dependence on β for electron heating, while the ion heating seems independent of β . Anisotropies are formed both with T∥ > T⊥ and with T∥ < T⊥. When the anisotropy reaches the marginal firehose condition or the marginal mirror mode condition, the anisotropy is constrained. The firehose instability and the dependence of the criteria for marginal firehose instability on β , may play an important role in the acceleration of ions and electrons. The ion acceleration seems to be associated by the development of a firehose instability. The electrons seem to be accelerated predominantly by a different process, likely the Fermi mechanism. This study may shed light on particle acceleration mechanisms at sectored magnetic fields in the heliosheath, as well as other systems such as in the solar wind and the solar corona.
Drake James F.
Schoeffler K. M.
Swisdak Michael
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