Flare particle acceleration and magnetohydrodynamic instabilities

Solar flares represent the release of stored magnetic energy through magnetic reconnection. Large numbers of high-energy ions and electrons are produced in flares. We present models showing how energy may be released by reconnection during the nonlinear phase of kink instability in twisted coronal loops. The strong electric fields associated with this reconnection can accelerate charged particles. We also show how particles may be accelerated at 3D magnetic null points. © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd