The research involves an experimental exploration of magnetic reconnection in the VTF (Versatile Toroidal Facility) facility at MIT. This facility provides a unique opportunity to experimentally unfold the physics of collisionless reconnection. Newly developed diagnostics are now providing detailed information on the onset of reconnection. The award will fund a postdoctoral researcher who will explore the physics of the inner reconnection region. The spontaneous nature of reconnection in VTF renders the proposed research uniquely relevant to reconnection in astrophysical, geospace, and fusion relevant laboratory environments.
