Work

Ultrarelativistic outflows in asymmetric magnetic reconnection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We present a one-fluid pair plasma magnetohydrodynamical model for asymmetric relativistic magnetic reconnection that incorporates the thermal-inertial effects of the plasma. We find the general scaling relation for the reconnection rate in a Sweet–Parker-type configuration. However, we show that under a specific highly asymmetric scenario, this magnetic reconnection process can produce ultrarelativistic plasma outflows, with velocities much larger than the ones found in symmetric cases. We highlight the significance of the asymmetry in enhancing particle acceleration and energy release.

Source: Physics of Plasmas

DOI: 10.1063/5.0273156

Authors: Maricarmen A. Winkler, Felipe A. Asenjo

Institution: Adolfo Ibáñez University

Language: English

Topic: Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico

Awards: G3210360466, G6597950957