FastQSL 2: A Comprehensive Toolkit for Magnetic Connectivity Analysis

TL;DR

FastQSL 2 is an enhanced toolkit for magnetic connectivity analysis that accurately locates quasi-separatrix layers, supports spherical coordinates, and handles arbitrary mesh shapes, improving scope and precision.

Contribution

It introduces spherical coordinate support and resolves pole singularities, expanding FastQSL's applicability for magnetic field analysis in solar physics.

Findings

Supports spherical coordinates, resolving pole singularities.

Accommodates arbitrary mesh shapes for output.

Enables quick, accurate magnetic field line footpoint calculations.

Abstract

We present a new version of FastQSL for locating quasi-separatrix layers (QSLs) -- regions characterized by strong magnetic connectivity gradients, preferential current buildup, and subsequent magnetic reconnection. This version now supports spherical coordinates, utilizing a second spherical coordinate system for tracing magnetic field lines around the polar regions. This approach completely resolves the singularity problem at the two poles. Furthermore, our code accommodates arbitrary mesh shapes for output, can provide both magnetic field and electric current density on the mesh, and can save the traced magnetic field lines. We suggest using $Q_\mathrm{local}$ calculated through a localized mapping to locate (quasi-)separators. By quickly and accurately outputting the footpoint coordinates of magnetic field lines, FastQSL can be used to derive the two key parameters used for modeling solar wind speed and slip-squashing factors for the case of zero boundary flow. Compared with the first version, FastQSL 2 achieves significant improvements in terms of application scope.