Characteristics of Magnetic Fluctuations during Magnetic Reconnection in Counter-Helicity Spheromak Merging Experiment

Abstract

We performed detailed magnetic probe measurement to detect magnetic fluctuations during magnetic reconnection in counter-helicity spheromak merging experiment in TS-4. The fluctuation power in the frequency range of 0.5 - 5 MHz was concentrated in the outboard-side downstream region of the reconnection point while the fluctuation power in the frequency range of 7 - 20 MHz was localized inside the current sheet. It has been found that the detected fluctuations inside the current sheet had similar characteristics to obliquely propagating Whistler waves, but showed different power spectra inside the current sheet and in the downstream region.