Publications Repository - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

We consider a simple model of inverse dynamo theory consisting of a spherically symmetric alpha^2-dynamo with unknown radial dependence of alpha. Using an evolutionary strategy, we try to reconstruct this radial dependence of alpha from a finite number of given data, e.g. from a few real or complex eigenvalues and/or from the assumption that the field is confined to the dynamo region. Although for planetary dynamos the direct applicability of our specific model is very limited, the principle of inversion is quite general and might be useful for cosmic dynamos as well as for the emerging laboratory dynamo community.