The current and magnetic-field fluctuations associated with magnetic-field-line reconnection have been measured in the reversed field pinch plasma configuration. The current sheet resulting from this reconnection has been measured. The current layer is radially broad, comparable to a magnetic-island width, as may be expected from current transport along magnetic-field lines. It is much larger than that predicted by resistive MHD for linear tearing modes and larger than prediction from two-fluid linear theory.

• Received 15 June 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.035003