Burge, C.A., MacKinnon, A.L. and Petkaki, P. (2014) Effect of binary collisions on electron acceleration in magnetic reconnection. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 561(A107), (doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/201322199)
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Abstract
Context. The presence of energetic X-ray sources in the solar corona indicates there are additional transport effects in the acceleration region. A prime method of investigation is to add collisions into models of particle behaviour at the reconnection region.<p></p> Aims. We investigate electron test particle acceleration in a simple model of an X-type reconnection region. In particular, we explore the possibility that collisions will cause electrons to re-enter the acceleration more frequently, in turn causing particles to be accelerated to high energies.<p></p> Methods. The deterministic (Lorentz) description of particle gyration and acceleration has been coupled to a model for the effects of collisions. The resulting equations are solved numerically using Honeycutt’s extension of the RK4 method to stochastic differential equations. This approach ensures a correct description of collisional energy loss and pitch-angle scattering combined with a sufficiently precise description of gyro-motion and acceleration.<p></p> Results. Even with initially mono-energetic electrons, the competition between collisions and acceleration results in a distribution of electron energies. When realistic model parameters are used, electrons achieve X-ray energies. A possible model for coronal hard X-ray sources is indicated. Conclusions. Even in competition with energy losses, pitch-angle scattering results in a small proportion of electrons reaching higher energies than they would in a collisionless situation.<p></p>
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Burge, Ms Christina and MacKinnon, Dr Alexander |
Authors: | Burge, C.A., MacKinnon, A.L., and Petkaki, P. |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy |
Journal Name: | Astronomy and Astrophysics |
Publisher: | EDP Sciences |
ISSN: | 0004-6361 |
ISSN (Online): | 1432-0746 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2014 ESO |
First Published: | First published in Astronomy and Astrophysics 561:A107 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
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