A laboratory experiment concerned with the basic physics of magnetic field line reconnection will be discussed. Stimulated by important processes in space plasmas and anomalous transport in fusion plasmas the work addresses the following topics: Dynamic magnetic fields in a high beta plasma, magnetic turbulence, plasma dynamics and energy transport. First, the formation of magnetic neutral sheets, tearing and island coalescence are shown. Nonstationary magnetic fluctuations are statistically evaluated displaying the correlation tensor ⟨ BB ⟩ in the ω- k domain for mode identification. Then, the plasma properties are analyzed with particular emphasis on transport processes. Although the classical fluid flow across the separatrix can be observed, the fluctuation processes strongly modify the plasma dynamics. Direct measurements of the fluid force density and ion acceleration indicate the presence of an anomalous scattering process characterized by an effective scattering tensor ν *. Turbulence also enhances the plasma resistivity η* by one to two orders of magnitude. Measurements of the three-dimensional electron distribution function f e ( v x , v y , v z ) using a novel energy analyzer exhibit the formation of runaway electrons in the current sheet. Associated microinstabilities are observed. Finally, a macroscopic disruptive instability of the current sheet is observed. Excess magnetic field energy is converted at a double layer into particle kinetic energy and randomized through beam-plasma instabilities. These laboratory results will be compared with related observations in space and fusion plasmas.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Stenzel et al. (1982) studied this question.