A. Bhattacharjee

Distribution of Plasmoids in High-Lundquist-Number Magnetic Reconnection

The distribution function f(ψ) of magnetic flux ψ in plasmoids formed in high-Lundquist-number current sheets is studied by means of an analytic phenomenological model and direct numerical simulations. The distribution function is shown to follow a power law f(ψ)∼ψ(-1), which differs from other recent theoretical predictions. Physical explanations are given for the discrepant predictions of other theoretical models.

General theory of the plasmoid instability

A general theory of the onset and development of the plasmoid instability is formulated by means of a principle of least time. The scaling relations for the final aspect ratio, transition time to rapid onset, growth rate, and number of plasmoids are derived, and shown to depend on the initial perturbation amplitude

The Plasma Simulation Code

left({hat w}_0right)

Magnetic reconnection in high-energy-density laser-produced plasmasa)

, the characteristic rate of current sheet evolution

Comparison of multi-fluid moment models with particle-in-cell simulations of collisionless magnetic reconnection

left(1/tauright)

The island coalescence problem: Scaling of reconnection in extended fluid models including higher-order moments

, and the Lundquist number

Instability of the current sheet in the Earth's magnetotail with normal magnetic field

left(Sright)

Distribution of Plasmoids in Post-coronal Mass Ejection Current Sheets

. They are not simple power laws, and are proportional to

Magnetorotational Instability: Nonmodal Growth and the Relationship of Global Modes to the Shearing Box

S^{alpha} tau^{beta} left[ln f(S,tau,{hat w}_0)right]^sigma

Electron acceleration by parallel and perpendicular electric fields during magnetic reconnection without guide field

. The detailed dynamics of the instability is also elucidated, and shown to comprise of a period of quiescence followed by sudden growth over a short time scale.