Dynamic patterns of self-organization inflow in collisionless magnetic reconnection

Abstract

We investigate the evolution of reconnection inflow using a fully kinetic approach. Three types of inflow are detailed, namely the collapse inflow, the vortex inflow and the reverse inflow. They are formed dynamically at different stages of reconnection via self-organizing processes, but are closely interrelated with each other. The reconnection starts from a small perturbation, which can trigger off a chain of pressure-induced collapses propagating into the inflow region. The pressure gradient results in the collapse inflow toward the reconnection site. Then due to the continuous injection of hot plasma carried by the reconnection outflows, the expanding exhaust causes its adjacent region to be compressed. The combined effects of the compression and the reflection of conducting walls lead to the formation of the vortex inflow. Subsequently, the reverse inflow develops gradually within the exhaust. Under the modulation of these inflows, the reconnection rate shows a transient oscillation. We also discussed the possible occurrence of the self-organization inflow available in different contexts.