Quantitative analysis of anomalous electron heating and momentum transfer by lower hybrid drift waves during guide field reconnection

The electrostatic lower hybrid drift wave (ES-LHDW) has been observed in the electron diffusion region of the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX). The ES-LHDW is capable of generating both electric field and density fluctuations, which are measured by an electrostatic probe [1]. We confirm that the observed ES-LHDW is in the quasilinear stage by verifying the linear relationship between the reconnection electric field fluctuations and the density fluctuations [2]. This justifies the use of quasilinear analysis of all second order terms such as anomalous resistivity and anomalous heating based on the measured amplitude. In a typical example with a moderate guide field, the anomalous resistivity can account for about 25 % of the reconnection electric field. Anomalous electron heating is about four times higher than the classical Ohmic heating. These results indicate that the ES-LHDW can affect both electron and reconnection dynamics. We discuss the physics of each anomalous term by looking at the linear relationship between physical quantities. Initial results from 3D simulations will also be discussed.

[1] Y. Hu et al. Rev. Sci. Instr. 92, 033534 (2021).

[2] J. Yoo et al. Phys. Plasmas 29, 022109 (2022).