Effect of collisions and magnetic convergence on electron acceleration and transport in reconnecting twisted solar flare loops

Gordovskyy, M., Browning, P.K., Kontar, E.P. and Bian, N.H. (2013) Effect of collisions and magnetic convergence on electron acceleration and transport in reconnecting twisted solar flare loops. Solar Physics, 284(2), pp. 489-498. (doi: 10.1007/s11207-012-0124-4)

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Abstract

We study a model of particle acceleration coupled with an MHD model of magnetic reconnection in unstable twisted coronal loops. The kink instability leads to the formation of helical currents with strong parallel electric fields resulting in electron acceleration. The motion of electrons in the electric and magnetic fields of the reconnecting loop is investigated using a test-particle approach taking into account collisional scattering. We discuss the effects of Coulomb collisions and magnetic convergence near loop footpoints on the spatial distribution and energy spectra of high-energy electron populations and possible implications on the hard X-ray emission in solar flares.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kontar, Professor Eduard and Bian, Dr Nicolas Horace and Browning, Prof Philippa
Authors: Gordovskyy, M., Browning, P.K., Kontar, E.P., and Bian, N.H.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Solar Physics
Publisher:Springer Verlag
ISSN:0038-0938
ISSN (Online):1573-093X
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
542081Rolling Programme in Solar and Plasma AstrophysicsLyndsay FletcherScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/I001808/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY