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Bose S, Fox W, Ji H, Yoo J, Goodman A, Alt A, Yamada M. Conversion of Magnetic Energy to Plasma Kinetic Energy During Guide Field Magnetic Reconnection in the Laboratory. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:205102. [PMID: 38829091 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.205102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
We present laboratory measurements showing the two-dimensional (2D) structure of energy conversion during magnetic reconnection with a guide field over the electron and ion diffusion regions, resolving the separate energy deposition on electrons and ions. We find that the electrons are energized by the parallel electric field at two locations, at the X line and around the separatrices. On the other hand, the ions are energized ballistically by the perpendicular electric field in the vicinity of the high-density separatrices. An energy balance calculation by evaluating the terms of the Poynting theorem shows that 40% of the magnetic energy is converted to particle energy, 2/3 of which is transferred to ions and 1/3 to electrons. Further analysis suggests that the energy deposited on particles manifests mostly in the form of thermal kinetic energy in the diffusion regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayak Bose
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - William Fox
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - Hantao Ji
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - Jongsoo Yoo
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - Aaron Goodman
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - Andrew Alt
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - Masaaki Yamada
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
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Shi P, Scime EE, Barbhuiya MH, Cassak PA, Adhikari S, Swisdak M, Stawarz JE. Using Direct Laboratory Measurements of Electron Temperature Anisotropy to Identify the Heating Mechanism in Electron-Only Guide Field Magnetic Reconnection. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:155101. [PMID: 37897764 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.155101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Anisotropic electron heating during electron-only magnetic reconnection with a large guide magnetic field is directly measured in a laboratory plasma through in situ measurements of electron velocity distribution functions. Electron heating preferentially parallel to the magnetic field is localized to one separatrix, and anisotropies of 1.5 are measured. The mechanism for electron energization is identified as the parallel reconnection electric field because of the anisotropic nature of the heating and spatial localization. These characteristics are reproduced in a 2D particle-in-cell simulation and are also consistent with numerous magnetosheath observations. A measured increase in the perpendicular temperature along both separatrices is not reproduced by our 2D simulations. This work has implications for energy partition studies in magnetosheath and laboratory reconnection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyun Shi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08542, USA
| | - Earl E Scime
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - M Hasan Barbhuiya
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - Paul A Cassak
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - Subash Adhikari
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Center for KINETIC Plasma Physics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - M Swisdak
- Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Julia E Stawarz
- Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Electrical Engineering, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
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Stenzel RL, Urrutia JM. Probes to measure kinetic and magnetic phenomena in plasmas. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2021; 92:111101. [PMID: 34852543 DOI: 10.1063/5.0059344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic tools are of fundamental importance in experimental research. In plasma physics, probes are usually used to obtain the plasma parameters, such as density, temperature, electromagnetic fields, and waves. This Review focuses on low-temperature plasma diagnostics where in situ probes can be used. Examples of in situ and remote diagnostics will be shown, proven by many experimental verifications. This Review starts with Langmuir probes and then continues with other diagnostics such as waves, beams, and particle collectors, which can provide high accuracy. A basic energy analyzer has been advanced to measure distribution functions with three-dimensional velocity resolution, three directions in real space and time resolution. The measurement of the seven-dimensional distribution function is the basis for understanding kinetic phenomena in plasma physics. Non-Maxwellian distributions have been measured in magnetic reconnection experiments, scattering of beams, wakes of ion beams, etc. The next advance deals with the diagnostics of electromagnetic effects. It requires magnetic probes that simultaneously resolve three field components, measured in three spatial directions and with time resolution. Such multi-variable data unambiguously yield field topologies and related derivatives. Examples will be shown for low frequency whistler modes, which are force-free vortices, flux ropes, and helical phase rotations. Thus, with advanced probes, large data acquisition and fast processing further advance in the fields of kinetic plasma physics and electromagnetic phenomena can be expected. The transition from probes to antennas will also be stimulated. Basic research with new tools will also lead to new applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiner L Stenzel
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1547, USA
| | - J Manuel Urrutia
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1547, USA
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Liu Y, Shi P, Zhang X, Lei J, Ding W. Laboratory plasma devices for space physics investigation. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2021; 92:071101. [PMID: 34340448 DOI: 10.1063/5.0021355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the past decades, laboratory experiments have contributed significantly to the exploration of the fundamental physics of space plasmas. Since 1908, when Birkeland invented the first terrella device, numerous experimental apparatuses have been designed and constructed for space physics investigations, and beneficial achievements have been gained using these laboratory plasma devices. In the present work, we review the initiation, development, and current status of laboratory plasma devices for space physics investigations. The notable experimental apparatuses are categorized and discussed according to the central scientific research topics they are related to, such as space plasma waves and instabilities, magnetic field generation and reconnection, and modeling of the Earth's and planetary space environments. The characteristics of each device, including the plasma configuration, plasma generation, and control method, are highlighted and described in detail. In addition, their contributions to reveal the underlying physics of space observations are also briefly discussed. For the scope of future research, various challenges are discussed, and suggestions are provided for the construction of new and enhanced devices. The objective of this work is to allow space physicists and planetary scientists to enhance their knowledge of the experimental apparatuses and the corresponding experimental techniques, thereby facilitating the combination of spacecraft observation, numerical simulation, and laboratory experiments and consequently promoting the development of space physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Geospace Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Peiyun Shi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - Xiao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Geospace Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiuhou Lei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Geospace Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Weixing Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Geospace Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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Gekelman W, DeHaas T, Prior C, Yeates A. Using topology to locate the position where fully three-dimensional reconnection occurs. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-03896-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Gekelman W, Pribyl P, Lucky Z, Drandell M, Leneman D, Maggs J, Vincena S, Van Compernolle B, Tripathi SKP, Morales G, Carter TA, Wang Y, DeHaas T. The upgraded Large Plasma Device, a machine for studying frontier basic plasma physics. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:025105. [PMID: 26931889 DOI: 10.1063/1.4941079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In 1991 a manuscript describing an instrument for studying magnetized plasmas was published in this journal. The Large Plasma Device (LAPD) was upgraded in 2001 and has become a national user facility for the study of basic plasma physics. The upgrade as well as diagnostics introduced since then has significantly changed the capabilities of the device. All references to the machine still quote the original RSI paper, which at this time is not appropriate. In this work, the properties of the updated LAPD are presented. The strategy of the machine construction, the available diagnostics, the parameters available for experiments, as well as illustrations of several experiments are presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Gekelman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - P Pribyl
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Z Lucky
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - M Drandell
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - D Leneman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - J Maggs
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - S Vincena
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - B Van Compernolle
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - S K P Tripathi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - G Morales
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - T A Carter
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - T DeHaas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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Lawrence EE, Gekelman W. Identification of a quasiseparatrix layer in a reconnecting laboratory magnetoplasma. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2009; 103:105002. [PMID: 19792321 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.103.105002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The concept of quasiseparatrix layers (QSLs) has emerged as a powerful tool to study the connectivity of magnetic field lines undergoing magnetic reconnection in solar flares. Although they have been used principally by the solar physics community until now, QSLs can be employed to shed light on all processes in which reconnection occurs. We present the first application of this theory to an experimental flux rope configuration. The three-dimensional data set acquired in this experiment makes the determination of the QSL possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Lawrence
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
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Wygant JR, Cattell CA, Lysak R, Song Y, Dombeck J, McFadden J, Mozer FS, Carlson CW, Parks G, Lucek EA, Balogh A, Andre M, Reme H, Hesse M, Mouikis C. Cluster observations of an intense normal component of the electric field at a thin reconnecting current sheet in the tail and its role in the shock-like acceleration of the ion fluid into the separatrix region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2004ja010708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. R. Wygant
- School of Physics and Astronomy; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - C. A. Cattell
- School of Physics and Astronomy; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - R. Lysak
- School of Physics and Astronomy; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - Y. Song
- School of Physics and Astronomy; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - J. Dombeck
- School of Physics and Astronomy; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - J. McFadden
- Space Sciences Laboratory; University of California; Berkeley California USA
| | - F. S. Mozer
- Space Sciences Laboratory; University of California; Berkeley California USA
| | - C. W. Carlson
- Space Sciences Laboratory; University of California; Berkeley California USA
| | - G. Parks
- Space Sciences Laboratory; University of California; Berkeley California USA
| | - E. A. Lucek
- Blackett Laboratory; Imperial College; London UK
| | - A. Balogh
- Blackett Laboratory; Imperial College; London UK
| | - M. Andre
- Swedish Institute of Space Physics; Uppsala Division; Uppsala Sweden
| | - H. Reme
- Centre d'Etude Spatiale des Rayonnements; Toulouse France
| | - M. Hesse
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; Greenbelt Maryland USA
| | - C. Mouikis
- University of New Hampshire; Durham New Hampshire USA
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Hsu SC, Fiksel G, Carter TA, Ji H, Kulsrud RM, Yamada M. Local measurement of nonclassical ion heating during magnetic reconnection. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2000; 84:3859-3862. [PMID: 11019224 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.84.3859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/1999] [Revised: 03/01/2000] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Local ion temperature and flows are measured directly in the well-characterized reconnection layer of a laboratory plasma. The measurements indicate strongly that ions are heated due to reconnection and that more than half of the reconnected field energy is converted to ion thermal energy. Neither classical viscous damping of the observed sub-Alfvenic ion flows nor classical energy exchange with electrons is sufficient to account for the ion heating, suggesting the importance of nonclassical dissipation mechanisms in the reconnection layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- SC Hsu
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, P.O. Box 451, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
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10
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Yamada M. Review of controlled laboratory experiments on physics of magnetic reconnection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1029/1998ja900169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Ono Y, Yamada M, Akao T, Tajima T, Matsumoto R. Ion acceleration and direct ion heating in three-component magnetic reconnection. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 1996; 76:3328-3331. [PMID: 10060939 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.76.3328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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12
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Gekelman W, Stenzel RL. Magnetic field line reconnection experiments: 6. Magnetic turbulence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1984. [DOI: 10.1029/ja089ia05p02715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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13
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Bratenahl A, Baum PJ. Comment on ‘Magnetic field line reconnection experiments,’ Parts 1–4 by R. L. Stenzel, W. Gekelman, and N. Wild. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1983. [DOI: 10.1029/ja088ia01p00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Stenzel RL, Gekelman W, Wild N. Magnetic field line reconnection experiments: 5. Current disruptions and double layers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1983. [DOI: 10.1029/ja088ia06p04793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Gekelman W, Stenzel RL, Wild N. Magnetic field line reconnection experiments, 3. Ion acceleration, flows, and anomalous scattering. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1982. [DOI: 10.1029/ja087ia01p00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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