Generation of a strong parallel electric field and embedded electron jet in the exhaust of moderate guide field reconnection

MMS observed an extended current layer concurrent with a strong parallel electric field. The current

layer is embedded in the reconnection exhaust and is consistent with an extended magnetized jet

expected in roughly symmetric moderate guide field reconnection. The strong parallel electric field

observed at the jet balances a strong gradient in the parallel electron pressure caused by a transition

between magnetized electrons with T_e|| > T_e⊥ on one side of the jet and demagnetized,

roughly isotropic electrons across the thin current layer. Simulation results show how this transition can

occur and how the associated electron pressure gradients in Ohm's law balance the parallel electric

field.