Stochastic particle transport in a magnetic island due to electrostatic drift waves

Abstract

The effect of poloidally mode coupled, ballooning type electrostatic drift waves on a magnetic island has been studied both analytically and numerically. It has been shown quantitatively that particle orbits become stochastic and their behavior can be a possible candidate for the radial plasma transport across a magnetic island of a tokamak. The transport is significant in that it takes place even when the flux surface is not destroyed. The mechanism of the stochasticity generation is understood as an overlapping of secondary islands caused by resonance between periodic particle motions in the magnetic island and Fourier modes of E×B drift due to the electrostatic drift waves. The diffusion process perpendicular to magnetic surface has been analyzed by approximating the distribution to the Gaussian type. In addition, local diffusion process in the vicinity of Kolmogorov, Arnold, and Moser surfaces has been discussed.