Cyclical Generation of Magnetic Field Structures with Significant Electron Temperature and Density Gradients

The generation of magnetic field structures over macroscopic scale distances is an issue of well recognized importance in astrophysics and for laboratory experiments. A relevant process is identified [1] involving a plasma, imbedded in a pre-existing sheared magnetic structure, with a significant gradient of the longitudinal (to the stationary component of the magnetic field) electron temperature. A periodic emergence of a reconnected magnetic structure is the basic feature of this process that is likened to an "alternator". The oscillations amplitude can be amplified in the presence of a density gradient (aligned with the electron temperature gradient) and a non-negligible particle diffusion. Regimes where the longitudinal electron thermal conductivities are large relative to the associated transverse conductivities are considered, a two-fluid description being adopted as a start.