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Direct measurement of electron heating in electron-only reconnection in a laboratory mini-magnetosphere

Lucas Rovige1,*, Filipe D. Cruz2, Timothy Van Hoomissen1, Robert S. Dorst1,3, Carmen G. Constantin1, Stephen Vincena1, Luis O. Silva2, Christoph Niemann1, and Derek B. Schaeffer1

  • *Contact author: lucas.rovige@ensta.fr
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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023132 – Published 8 May, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/8ctf-q5n3

Abstract

We report on the experimental observation of electron heating in electron-only magnetic reconnection in laser-driven laboratory mini-magnetosphere on the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at the University of California, Los Angeles. In this experiment, a fast-flowing plasma impacts a pulsed magnetic dipole embedded within LAPD’s magnetized ambient plasma, creating an ion-scale magnetosphere and driving electron-only magnetic reconnection between the background and dipole field lines. The electron velocity distribution is measured across the reconnection region using noncollective Thomson scattering, enabling determination of electron temperature and density. Significant electron heating is observed in the electron diffusion region, increasing from an initial temperature of 1.8 to 9.5 eV, corresponding to a 40% local conversion of Poynting flux into electron enthalpy flux. Particle-in-cell simulations that provide insights into the heating mechanisms are also presented.

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023132– Published 8 May, 2026
  • Received 13 August 2025
  • Accepted 8 April 2026
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