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arXiv · 0805.4286

Self-regulation of the reconnecting current layer in relativistic pair plasma reconnection

S. Zenitani·M. Hesse
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Abstract

We investigate properties of the reconnecting current layer in relativistic pair plasma reconnection. We found that the current layer self-regulates its thickness when the current layer runs out current carriers, and so relativistic reconnection retains a fast reconnection rate. Constructing a steady state Sweet-Parker model, we discuss conditions for the current sheet expansion. Based on the energy argument, we conclude that the incompressible assumption is invalid in relativistic Sweet-Parker reconnection. The guide field cases are more incompressible than the anti-parallel cases, and we find a more significant current sheet expansion.

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S. Zenitani, M. Hesse. 2008-08-07. Self-regulation of the reconnecting current layer in relativistic pair plasma reconnection. https://doi.org/10.1086/590425

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