Solar and Galactic Magnetic Halo Structure: Force-Free Dynamos?

Magnetic fields may relax dissipatively to the minimum energy force-free condition whenever they are not constantly created or distorted. We review the axially symmetric solutions for force-free magnetic fields, especially for the non-linear field. A new formulation for the scale invariant state is given. Illustrative examples are shown. Applications to both stellar coronas and galactic halos are possible. Subsequently we study whether such force-free fields may be sustained by classical magnetic dynamo action. Although the answer is not indefinitely', there may be an evolutionary cycle wherein the magnetic field repeatedly relaxes to the minimum energy condition after a period of substantial growth and distortion. Different force-free dynamos may coexist at different locations. Helicity transfer between scales is studied briefly. A dynamo solution is given for the temporal evolution away from an initial linear force-free magnetic field due to both alpha 2 and omega terms. This can be used at the sub scale level to create a delayed' alpha effect.