Fast and slow two-fluid magnetic reconnection

TL;DR

This paper introduces a two-fluid MHD model that explains both slow and fast magnetic reconnection regimes, shedding light on energy release processes in cosmic and laboratory plasmas.

Contribution

It identifies two distinct reconnection regimes within a two-fluid MHD framework, offering a new explanation for energy release dynamics.

Findings

Identification of slow and fast reconnection regimes

Potential explanation for energy release in plasmas

Relevance to cosmic and laboratory plasma phenomena

Abstract

We present a two-fluid magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model of quasi-stationary, two-dimensional magnetic reconnection in an incompressible plasma composed of electrons and ions. We find two distinct regimes of slow and fast reconnection. The presence of these two regimes can provide a possible explanation for the initial slow build up and subsequent rapid release of magnetic energy frequently observed in cosmic and laboratory plasmas.