Study of coronal X-ray jet formation using advanced numerical simulations and laboratory experiments

In this proposal, we propose to expand this work to demonstrate the validity of this model by a laboratory experiment and nonlinear HYM 3D simulations closely tied to our experiment. The high-resolution nonlinear simulations will allow to investigate numerically the mechanism that triggers the line-tied spheromak unstable, and demonstrate the field line opening and jet formation due to reconnection at the top of the tilting spheromak. In our initial study, we have learned that when flux-emergence from the sun's surface makes an elongation of the plasma inducing a reduction of line-tying caused by reconnection at the bottom passing a stability threshold, a tilting instability of the spheromak occurs, inducing magnetic reconnection at the upper part of the spheromak with the open field lines. This ejects the spheromak's plasma into the open field lines, producing eruption and the well-known soft x-ray emission pattern. A longer simulation would allow demonstration of field line opening and jet formation due to reconnection at the top of the tilting spheromak. Using the MRX flux cores and spheromak guns, we will generate a spheromak configuration embedded in the pre-existing equilibrium field and determine how it undergoes a global reconnection with tilt instability. The experiment is equipped with a two-dimensional, high-coverage magnetic probe array which we will use to investigate the detailed evolution of tilting spheromak during eruptive events. These measurements will reveal the formation of current sheets outside of the closed flux surface during eruptive events. Also, an IDSP (ion dynmics spectroscopy probe) and the Mach prove will be used to directly measure the plasma flows associated with reconnection events. This will contribute to a better understanding of solar flare dynamics in a testable way in a controlled laboratory setting and help improve interpretation of data from NASA satellite missions by providing ground truth for the many theoretical/modeling groups working on simulations of the solar flare models. This research should importantly contribute to the better understanding of solar flare dynamics.

Enabling lower cost innovative remote sensing instrument development from concept through breadboard and demonstration

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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