Statistic Properties of Electron Energy Enhancement During the Inner Electron Diffusion Region Crossing

Magnetic reconnection can efficiently heat and accelerate the electrons through various approaches and mechanisms. The electron diffusion region (EDR), especially the inner EDR, is one of the energization areas for the electrons during the reconnection. How the electrons' energy changes when passing the inner EDR is not well understood. In this study, we investigate the electron energy change from the individual perspective using the full kinetic particle-in-cell simulation. It is revealed that the electron energy gain rate is related to both traveling time and path in the inner EDR. The energy from the magnetic field tends to be allocated to the electron perpendicular part and the random thermal part. Our results promote the understanding of the function of the inner EDR during magnetic reconnection.

Automated summary

This study investigates the changes in electron energy during magnetic reconnection using full kinetic particle-in-cell simulation. The results reveal that the electron energy gain rate is dependent on the traveling time and path in the inner electron diffusion region.