Work

Kinetic Theory of Drift‐Mirror Mode

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We present a nonlocal gyrokinetic theory for the drift‐mirror mode in high‐ anisotropic plasmas. Here, represents the ratio of plasma pressure to magnetic pressure. The equilibrium distribution is established self‐consistently via guiding‐center Hamiltonian theory. To keep the nonuniformity and finite Larmor radius (FLR) effects on an equal footing, we derive the three‐field nonlocal eigenmode equations in Fourier space under the assumption of weak nonuniformity. It is found that the drift‐mirror mode is essentially a dissipative instability confined within the potential well due to the FLR effect. Numerical analyses demonstrate that the drift‐mirror mode originates from the coupling between shear Alfvén and mirror branch, where the ion‐sound wave component is negligible. Furthermore, the threshold of this nonlocal drift‐mirror mode is significantly lower than that of the conventional drift‐mirror mode.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2024gl110947

Authors: Yao Yao, Haotian Chen, Zilong Li, Jiquan Li

Institution: Southwestern Institute of Physics

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic confinement fusion research

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,900

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China