New Features of Electron Phase Space Holes Observed by the THEMIS Mission

• Observations of electron phase-space holes (EHs) in Earth's plasma sheet by the THEMIS satellites include the first detection of a magnetic perturbation (delta B-parallel to) parallel to the ambient magnetic field (B-0). EHs with a detectable delta B-parallel to have several distinguishing features including large electric field amplitudes, a magnetic perturbation perpendicular to B-0, high speeds (similar to 0.3c) along B-0, and sizes along B-0 of tens of Debye lengths. These EHs have a significant center potential (Phi similar to k(B)T(e)/e), suggesting strongly nonlinear behavior nearby such as double layers or magnetic reconnection.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Physics

Fysik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)