Figure 1. A closer look at the reconnection layer. The plasma approaches from the inflow region (IR), passes the structure of discontinuities, and flows out after transmitting magnetic energy from the field into kinetic energy of the plasma (field reversal (FR) region). (a) Initial current sheet and site of conductivity breakdown. (b) Switch-on phase of reconnection. (c) Switch-off phase of reconnection. (d) Steady-state Petschek reconnection.