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Using a kinetic simulation of magnetic reconnection it was recently shownthat magnetic-field-aligned electric fields (E||) can be present over largespatial scales in reconnection exhausts. The largest values of E|| are observedwithin double layers. The existence of double layers in the Earth'smagnetosphere is well documented. In our simulation their formation istriggered by large parallel streaming of electrons into the reconnectionregion. These parallel electron fluxes are required for maintainingquasi-neutrality of the reconnection region and increase with decreasing valuesof the normalized electron pressure upstream of the reconnection region. Athreshold normalized pressure is derived for strong double layers to develop.We also document how the electron confinement, provided in part by thestructure in E||, allows sustained energization by perpendicular electricfields. The energization is a consequence of the confined electrons' chaoticorbital motion that includes drifts aligned with the reconnection electricfield. The level of energization is proportional to the initial particle energyand therefore is enhanced by the initial energy boost of the accelerationpotential, acquired by electrons entering the region. The mechanism iseffective in an extended region of the reconnection exhaust allowing for thegeneration of superthermal electrons in reconnection scenarios, including thosewith only a single x-line. An expression for the phase-space distribution ofthe superthermal electrons is derived, providing an accurate match to thekinetic simulation results. The numerical and analytical results agree withdetailed spacecraft observations recorded during reconnection events in theEarth's magnetotail.

Double layer electric fields aiding the production of energetic flat-top  distributions and superthermal electrons within the exhausts from magnetic  reconnection