Non-linear saturation of the dissipative trapped-ion mode by mode coupling

Abstract

The non-linear saturation of the dissipative trapped-ion mode is analysed. The basic mechanism considered is the process whereby energy in long-wavelength unstable modes is non-linearly coupled via × convection to shortwavelength modes stabilized by Landau damping due to both circulating and trapped ions. In the usual limit of the mode frequency being small relative to the effective electron collision frequency, a one-dimensional non-linear partial differential equation for the potential can be derived, as was first shown by LaQuey, Mahajan, Tang, and Rutherford. The stability and accessibility of the possible equilibria for this equation are examined in detail, both analytically and numerically. The equilibrium emphasized by LaQuey et al. is shown to be unstable. However, a class of non-linear saturated states which are stable to linear perturbations is found. Included in the analysis are the effects of both ion collisions and dispersion due to finite-ion-banana-width effects. Cross-field transport is estimated and the scaling of the results is considered for tokamak parameters (specifically those for the Princeton Large Torus). It is concluded that the anomalous cross-field transport can be much lower than the estimate of Kadomtsev and Pogutse, for relevant parameters near marginal stability for the linear modes.