Energy conversion by electron beam-driven waves in a compressed reconnection separatrix

We investigate magnetic compression near the reconnection separatrix observed by Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) on July 11^th 2017. A clear transition between inflow and outflow in both ions and electrons is observed across an ion gyro-scale region of enhanced magnetic field. Multispacecraft techniques for magnetic curvature and local gradients along with timing of highly-correlated wave packets are used to determine the spatial configuration of the compressed region. Structure of the system is found to be inherently three dimensional; electron beam-driven modes propagating parallel to the magnetic field are observed concurrent with perpendicular-propagating lower hybrid waves. Larger scale surface waves are also present behind the compression front. Transforming to a deHoffmann-Teller frame across the boundary results in a distinctly non-rotational discontinuity with structure similar to a quasi-2D, Petschek-like slow shock. However, MHD jump conditions are not satisfied, indicating kinetic dissipation may occur within the thin layer. The largest amplitude measurements of $\mathbf{J}\cdot\mathbf{E}$ energy conversion are associated with an inflowing electron beam and parallel electric fields near the magnetic peak. Spikes in $\mathbf{J}\cdot\mathbf{E}$ are predominantly negative, suggesting electron-scale mixing between the reconnection inflow and outflow is partially responsible for the observed magnetic compression.