Topic of Research Seminar: Charged Particles Energization During Magnetic Reconnection by Double Layers
Abstract: Charged particles energization at the magnetic reconnection sites in the Earth’s magnetosphere is a subject of active debate inspace plasma, specifically in magnetopause and magnetotail regions. In the proximity of the reconnection region, MagnetosphericMultiscale (MMS) and other satellite missions have confirmed the existence of electron acceleration ranging from 100 keVto MeV. There is also evidence of cold ions acceleration in the separatrix region of the Earth’s magnetopause. An importantcandidate responsible for charged particles acceleration is believed to be the double layer (DL) structures, and which werefirst observed by the Cluster satellite in the separatrix region of the Earth’s magnetosphere. Moreover, the MMS mission alsoobserved parallel electric field fluctuations up to 100 mV/m carried by DL at the magnetic reconnection site in the Earth’smagnetosphere. Motivated by the reported literature, we investigate the DL and its associated electric field at the magnetopausemagnetic reconnection site by using a simple analytical model in which the DLs associated with kinetic Alfven waves are studiedin a low-βelectron-ion plasma with Tsallis distributed electrons and fluid ions using the Sagdeev potential technique. Thenon-extensive parameter (superthermality) of the Tsallis distribution has a pronounced effect on the DL’s strength (as defined bythe potential drop) and its associated parallel electric field. Our results are consistent with the earlier studies on DLs in Earth’smagnetosphere. Additionally, we discuss the implications of our findings on charged particle energization in the separatrix regionof the Earth’s magnetopause during magnetic reconnection.
Subject Field of Topic: Plasma Physics
Name of Speaker: Dr. Muhammad Shamir
Professorial Rank of Speaker: Research Associate at Salam Chair GCU, Lahore
University Email of Speaker: [email protected]
Affiliation of Speaker: Salam Chair GCU, Lahore
Date and Venue: December 12, 2022 at 1400 hrs, School of Natural Sciences (SNS) New building CR # 205, NUST Islamabad Campus