An Experiment to Investigate the Role of Neutrals in Magnetic Reconnection

Magnetic reconnection in the solar chromosphere has become a topic of recent interest as it may be a source of energy transfer into the corona [1], and observations show evidence of fast reconnection [2]. Unlike the corona, the plasma in the chromosphere is relatively cool (T $\sim 10^4$ K) and is weakly to partially ionized ($n_n/n \sim 10^0-10^4$). Furthermore, simulations have shown that the reconnection rate can depend on the ionization fraction and neutral collisionality [3]. Damping due to ion-neutral viscosity may also play a role. In the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX), we plan to study the effects of neutrals on reconnection in a controlled laboratory setting. A optical probe diagnostic is used to measure neutral density, and we plan to develop a UV diagnostic to facilitate comparisons with solar observations. Initial pressure scans have shown that we can access a parameter space relevant to the chromosphere. \\[4pt] [1] P. A. Sturrock, ApJ \textbf{521}, 451 (1999).\\[0pt] [2] J. Chae, et al., J. Korean Astron. Soc., \textbf{36}, 13 (2003).\\[0pt] [3] P. D. Smith, et al., A\&A \textbf{486}, 569 (2008).