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Published on: July 2, 2012
Microtearing modes in reversed field pinch plasmas
I Predebon1, F Sattin, M Veranda
1Consorzio RFX, Associazione EURATOM-ENEA sulla fusione, Padova, Italy.
Physical Review Letters
|January 15, 2011
Summary
In the reversed field pinch RFX-mod, strong electron temperature gradients drive microtearing instabilities. These instabilities, dominant on the ion Larmor radius scale, explain experimental electron thermal conductivity estimates.
Area of Science:
- Plasma physics
- Fusion energy research
Background:
- The reversed field pinch (RFX-mod) device is a key experimental facility for magnetic confinement fusion.
- Understanding electron temperature gradients is crucial for predicting plasma confinement and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the dominant turbulent mechanisms in regions of strong electron temperature gradients within the RFX-mod.
- Determine the role of microtearing instabilities in electron thermal transport.
Main Methods:
- Utilized gyrokinetic calculations to analyze plasma turbulence.
- Focused on the ion Larmor radius scale where instabilities are expected.
- Performed quasilinear evaluation of electron thermal conductivity.
Main Results:
- Identified microtearing instabilities as the dominant turbulent mechanism in strong electron temperature gradient regions.
- Gyrokinetic calculations align well with experimental measurements of electron thermal conductivity.
Conclusions:
- Microtearing instabilities play a significant role in electron thermal transport in the RFX-mod.
- The findings contribute to a better understanding of plasma turbulence and confinement in fusion devices.
