Heuristic Description of Perpendicular Diffusion of Energetic Particles in Astrophysical Plasmas

Abstract

A heuristic approach for collisionless perpendicular diffusion of energetic particles is presented. Analytic forms for the corresponding diffusion coefficient are derived. The heuristic approach presented here explains the parameter a 2 used in previous theories in order to achieve agreement with simulations and its relation to collisionless Rechester & Rosenbluth diffusion. The obtained results are highly relevant for applications because previously used formulas are altered significantly in certain situations.