Current sheet evolution in magnetic configurations with the X-line: 
electric currents, magnetic fields and plasma dynamics

A.G. Frank, S.Yu. Bogdanov, S.G. Bugrov, G.V. Dreiden, V.S. Markov, G.V. 
Ostrovskaya

We report the experimental results on the evolution of current sheets 
formed in the various 3D
magnetic configurations with a singular line of the X-type. The analysis 
of spatial distributions of 
the electric currents, magnetic fields and plasma density gives an 
insight into the key processes
governing the current sheet structure and dynamics in the presence of a 
strong guide field along
the X-line. We discuss an effect of the guide field amplification inside 
the sheet, and an influence
of the Hall currents on plasma dynamics. The similarities and 
distinctions between the current
sheets formed in the 3D and 2D magnetic configurations are given as 
well. We employ the
dimensionless parameters to compare the current sheets produced in 
laboratory conditions
with the astrophysical plasmas.