Collisionless current sheet equilibria

Neukirch, T., Wilson, F. and Allanson, O. (2018) Collisionless current sheet equilibria. Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, 60 (1). 014008. ISSN 0741-3335 doi: 10.1088/1361-6587/aa8485

Abstract/Summary

Current sheets are important for the structure and dynamics of many plasma systems. In space and astrophysical plasmas they play a crucial role in activity processes, for example by facilitating the release of magnetic energy via processes such as magnetic reconnection. In this contribution we will focus on collisionless plasma systems. A sensible first step in any investigation of physical processes involving current sheets is to find appropriate equilibrium solutions. The theory of collisionless plasma equilibria is well established, but over the past few years there has been a renewed interest in finding equilibrium distribution functions for collisionless current sheets with particular properties, for example for cases where the current density is parallel to the magnetic field (force-free current sheets). This interest is due to a combination of scientific curiosity and potential applications to space and astrophysical plasmas. In this paper we will give an overview of some of the recent developments, discuss their potential applications and address a number of open questions.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/77601
Identification Number/DOI	10.1088/1361-6587/aa8485
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Meteorology
Publisher	Institute of Physics
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