  Supported by a kinetic simulation, we derive an exclusion energy parameter
$\cal{E}_X$ providing a lower kinetic energy bound for an electron to cross
from one inflow region to the other during magnetic reconnection. As by a
Maxwell Demon, only high energy electrons are permitted to cross the inner
reconnection region, setting the electron distribution function observed along
the low density side separatrix during asymmetric reconnection. The analytic
model accounts for the two distinct flavors of crescent-shaped electron
distributions observed by spacecraft in a thin boundary layer along the low
density separatrix.

Plasma Physics