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Electron surfing acceleration by electrostatic waves in current sheet

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Abstract

The electron surfing acceleration in the current sheet with perpendicular propagating electrostatic waves is studied using analytical theories and test particle simulations. The trapped electron moving with the phase velocity v p of wave may be accelerated effectively in the outflow direction by \({{ev_{p}}\over c}\times B_{z}\) force until the electron is de-trapped from the wave potential. A criterion K>0 for the electron surfing acceleration is obtained. The electron will escape from the boundary of current sheet quickly, if this criterion does not hold. The maximum velocity of surfing acceleration is about the same as the electric drift velocity. Superposed longitudinal magnetic field along the wave propagation is favorable for the electron surfing acceleration in the current sheet.

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Correspondence to De-Yu Wang.

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Wang, DY., Lu, QM. Electron surfing acceleration by electrostatic waves in current sheet. Astrophys Space Sci 312, 103–111 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-007-9658-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-007-9658-6

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