The acceleration of charged particles and formation of power-law energy spectra in nonrelativistic magnetic reconnection

Magnetic reconnection is a primary driver of particle acceleration processes in space and astrophysical plasmas. Understanding how particles are accelerated and the resulting particle energy spectra are among the central topics in reconnection studies. We review recent advances in addressing this problem in nonrelativistic reconnection that is relevant to space and solar plasmas and beyond. We focus on particle acceleration mechanisms, particle transport due to 3D reconnection physics, and their roles in forming power-law particle energy spectra. We conclude by pointing out the challenges in studying particle acceleration and transport in a large-scale reconnection layer and the relevant issues to be addressed in the future.

Automated summary

Magnetic reconnection plays a key role in accelerating particles in space and astrophysical plasmas. Research on how particles are accelerated and the resulting particle energy spectra is a central topic. Recent advances in nonrelativistic reconnection focus on particle acceleration mechanisms, particle transport, and the formation of power-law particle energy spectra. Challenges in studying particle acceleration and transport in a large-scale reconnection layer are highlighted, with relevant issues to be addressed in the future.