A New Method of 3D Magnetic Field Reconstruction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quadratic magnetic field reconstruction method for satellite constellations that ensures divergence-free fields, matches measurements, and predicts magnetic topology near complex structures.

Contribution

It extends the linear curlometer method to second order, enabling more accurate modeling of magnetic fields and structures in space plasma environments.

Findings

Accurately models magnetic topology near reconnection regions.

Predicts motion of magnetic structures relative to satellites.

Estimates model accuracy using PIC simulations.

Abstract

A method is described to model the magnetic field in the vicinity of constellations of multiple satellites using field and plasma current measurements. This quadratic model has the properties that the divergence is zero everywhere and matches the measured values of the magnetic field and its curl (current) at each spacecraft, and thus extends the linear curlometer method to second order. It is able to predict the topology of the field lines near magnetic structures, such as near reconnecting regions or flux ropes, and allows a tracking of the motion of these structures relative to the spacecraft constellation. Comparisons to PIC simulations estimate the model accuracy. Reconstruction of two electron diffusion regions show the expected field line structure. The model can be applied to other small-scale phenomena (bow shock, waves of commensurate wavelength), and can be modified to reconstruct also the electric field, allowing tracing of particle trajectories.