Electron surfing acceleration in a current sheet by perpendicular electrostatic waves Original Research Article

We consider electron acceleration in a 3D current sheet by electrostatic waves generated during magnetic reconnection process. The electrons trapped in the potential of electrostatic waves are shown to be accelerated by image force in the outflow direction of current sheet plane up to the energy required for their de-trap from wave potential. The maximum velocity of electron acceleration is shown to be about the electric drift velocity. In the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field the electron de-trapping velocity increases.