Cross-field diffusion of electrons in the solar corona

Ross Galloway

Per Helander, Alexander MacKinnon

We consider a number of mechanisms in which electrons may move diffusively across the magnetic field in solar coronal loops, and find that Rechester-Rosenbluth diffusion is most effective for typical coronal conditions. Such cross-field diffusion may determine an intrinsic lower limit to the apparent width of coronal loops. We also consider the effectiveness of cross-field diffusion for the transport of electrons from closed to open field lines, in relation to Type III radio bursts.