Strong B-Field Fluctuations Caused by the Electromagnetic LHDI and their Impact on 3D Reconnection

The electromagnetic branch of the lower-hybrid drift instability (LHDI) can lead to kinking of current sheets and fluctuations in the magnetic field and is present for example in Earth’s magnetosphere. Previous particle-in-cell studies suggested that the electromagnetic LHDI’s saturation is at a moderate level and that strong current sheet kinking is only caused by slower kink-type modes. Here, we present kinetic continuum simulations that show strong kinking and high saturation levels of the B-field fluctuations. Has the impact of the electromagnetic LHDI been underestimated? The capability of the LHDI to produce x-lines and turbulence in 3D reconnection is discussed at the example of ten-moment multi-fluid simulations.