Particle dynamics in the electron current layer in collisionless magnetic reconnection

Seiji Zenitani; Iku Shinohara; Tsugunobu Nagai

Presentation information

International Session (Oral)

Symbol P (Space and Planetary Sciences) » P-EM Solar-Terrestrial Sciences, Space Electromagnetism & Space Environment

[P-EM07] Dynamics in magnetosphere and ionosphere

Tue. May 24, 2016 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM 103 (1F)

Convener:*Yoshizumi Miyoshi(Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University), Yoshimasa Tanaka(National Institute of Polar Research), Aoi Nakamizo(Applied Electromagnetic Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology), Mitsunori Ozaki(Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University), Shin'ya Nakano(The Institute of Statistical Mathematics), Tomoaki Hori(Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University), Chair:Akimasa Ieda(Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University)

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

[PEM07-04] Particle dynamics in the electron current layer in collisionless magnetic reconnection

*Seiji Zenitani¹, Iku Shinohara², Tsugunobu Nagai³ (1.National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, 2.Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, 3.Tokyo Institute of Technology)

Keywords:Magnetic reconnection, PIC simulation, Particle dynamics

Particle dynamics in the electron current layer in collisionless magnetic reconnection is investigated by using particle-in-cell simulations. Electron motions and velocity distribution functions are studied by directly tracking self-consistent particle trajectories. New classes of electron orbits are discovered: a figure-eight-shaped regular orbit inside the electron jet, another regular orbit on the jet flank boundaries, a Speiser-like noncrossing orbit, and nongyrotropic electrons in the downstream of the jet termination region (a remagnetization front). Based on these discoveries, we will discuss the composition of electron velocity distribution functions, fluid properties of a super-Alfvenic outflow jet, and implications for upcoming MMS observation in the magnetotail.