Coalescence of two parallel current loops in a nonrelativistic electron–positron plasma

Abstract

The coalescence of two parallel current loops in an electron–positron plasma is investigated by a three-dimensional electromagnetic relativistic particle code. Instead of mixing uniformly in the dissipation region as observed for current coalescence in an electron–ion plasma, electrons and positrons initially in the loops are driven to move separately by the magnetic gradient drift. Redistribution of the current-carrying electrons and positrons creates new current loops, which coalesce again, if the initial drift velocities remain greater than a critical value after coalescence. It was found that the energy stored in the current loops dissipates gradually through several coalescences. Consequently, the electrons and positrons near the current loops are heated through the coalescence. This process is qualitatively different from the explosive energy release during coalescence in an electron–ion plasma.