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Magnetic reconnection

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Magnetic reconnection (henceforth called "reconnection") refers to the breaking and reconnecting of oppositely directed magnetic field lines in a plasma. In the process, magnetic field energy is converted to plasma kinetic and thermal energy.

PPPL physicists make first-ever direct observation of collisional plasmoid instability during magnetic reconnection in a laboratory setting

Physicists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have for the first time directly observed a phenomenon that had previously only been hypothesized to exist. The phenomenon, plasmoid instabilities that occur during collisional magnetic reconnection, had until this year only been observed indirectly using remote-sensing technology.

Top 10 PPPL stories that you shouldn’t miss

The past year saw many firsts in experimental and theoretical research at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). Here, in no particular order, are 10 of the Laboratory’s top findings in 2016, from the first results on the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade to a new use for Einstein’s theory of special relativity to modeling the disk that feeds the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy.

1. First results of the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U)

Magnetic reconnection research sheds light on explosive phenomena in astrophysics and fusion experiments

Scientists are closer than ever to unraveling a process called magnetic reconnection that triggers explosive phenomena throughout the universe.  Solar flares, northern lights and geomagnetic storms that can disrupt cell phone service and black out power grids are all set off by magnetic field lines that converge, break apart and violently reconnect in ways that are not fully understood.

Magnetic reconnection research sheds light on explosive phenomena in astrophysics and fusion experiments

Scientists are closer than ever to unraveling a process called magnetic reconnection that triggers explosive phenomena throughout the universe.  Solar flares, northern lights and geomagnetic storms that can disrupt cell phone service and black out power grids are all set off by magnetic field lines that converge, break apart and violently reconnect in ways that are not fully understood.

PPPL and Princeton researchers propose an explanation for the mysterious onset of a universal process

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and Princeton University have proposed a groundbreaking solution to a mystery that has puzzled physicists for decades. At issue is how magnetic reconnection, a universal process that sets off solar flares, northern lights and cosmic gamma-ray bursts, occurs so much faster than theory says should be possible.

PPPL and Princeton researchers propose an explanation for the mysterious onset of a universal process

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and Princeton University have proposed a groundbreaking solution to a mystery that has puzzled physicists for decades. At issue is how magnetic reconnection, a universal process that sets off solar flares, northern lights and cosmic gamma-ray bursts, occurs so much faster than theory says should be possible.

COLLOQUIUM: Solving magnetic reconnection, one plasmoid at a time

Magnetic reconnection is a central problem of plasma physics, key to a wide range of phenomena, from astrophysics (flares, jets, dynamo) to the laboratory (e.g., the sawtooth and tearing instabilities in magnetic fusion).

Throughout the last decade, the prolific combination of experiments, analytical theory and state-of-the-art simulations has delivered a radical overhaul of our understanding of reconnection. This talk aims to overview some of this recent progress, discuss its implications and reflect on future directions for the field.

PPPL scientists present key results at the 58th annual meeting of the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics

More than 100 scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Laboratory (PPPL) joined nearly 2,000 others from around the world in San Jose, California, to discuss the latest findings in plasma science and fusion research. PPPL physicists contributed to papers, talks and presentations ranging from astrophysical plasmas to magnetic fusion energy during the 58th annual meeting of the American Physical Society (APS) Division of Plasma Physics.

PPPL scientists present key results at the 58th annual meeting of the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics

More than 100 scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Laboratory (PPPL) joined nearly 2,000 others from around the world in San Jose, California, to discuss the latest findings in plasma science and fusion research. PPPL physicists contributed to papers, talks and presentations ranging from astrophysical plasmas to magnetic fusion energy during the 58th annual meeting of the American Physical Society (APS) Division of Plasma Physics.

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