First observation of magnetic flux rope inside electron diffusion region (2011.10236v1)

Abstract: Magnrtic flux ropes (MFRs) play a crucial role during magnetic reconnection. They are believed to be primarily generated by tearing mode instabilities in the electron diffusion region (EDR). However, they have never been observed inside the EDR. Here, we present the first observation of an MFR inside an EDR. The bifurcated non-force-free MFR, with a width of 27.5de in the L direction and 4.8de in the N direction, was moving away from the X-line. Inside the MFR, strong energy dissipation was detected. The MFR can modulate the electric field in the EDR. We reconstructed magnetic topology of the electron-scale MFR. Our study promotes understanding of MRFs' initial state and its role in electron-scale processes during magnetic reconnection.