Kinetic Alfv\'{e}n Waves in three-dimensional magnetic reconnection

ORAL

Abstract

Alfv\'{e}nic waves are believed to be fundamentally important in magnetic reconnection. In this work, the generation and signatures of kinetic Alfv\'{e}n waves (KAWs) associated with magnetic reconnection in a current sheet is investigated using a three-dimensional (3-D) hybrid code under a zero or finite guide field. In order to understand the wave structures in the general cases of multiple X-line reconnection, cases with a single X-line of various lengths are examined. KAWs with perpendicular wave number $k_\perp \rho_i \sim 1$ (with $\rho_i$ being the ion Larmor radius) are found throughout the transient plasma bulge region and propagate outward along magnetic field lines with a super-Alfv\'{e}nic velocity. These KAWs, which coexist with the whistler structure of the ion diffusion region, are generated from the X-line and propagate along field lines, carrying parallel electric field and Poynting fluxes. The structure, energy, and damping of the KAWs are examined.

*Work supported by US DoE and NSF grants.

Authors

  • Yu Lin

    • Physics Department, Auburn University
  • Ji Liang

    • School of Physics and Optoelectronic Technology, Dalian University of Technology
  • Jay Johnson

    • Andrews University
  • Xueyi Wang

    • Physics Department, Auburn University