From the orbit theory to a guiding center parametric distribution function

TL;DR

This paper introduces a parametric equilibrium distribution function for guiding centers in tokamak plasma, enabling better modeling of various particle populations and external heating effects in gyrokinetic simulations.

Contribution

It proposes a new distribution function based on orbit theory that depends only on constants of motion, applicable to multiple plasma species and external heating scenarios.

Findings

Reproduces Maxwellian distribution in zero orbit width limit

Models slowing down distribution for fusion alpha particles

Aligns with anisotropic SD and biMaxwellian distributions for energetic particles

Abstract

This work proposes a parametric equilibrium distribution function F_eq to be applied to the gyrokinetic studies of the Finite Orbit Width behavior of guiding centers representing several species encountered in axisymmetric tokamak plasma, as fusion products, thermal bulk and energetic particles from Ion Cyclotron Radiation Heating and Negative Neutral Beam Injections. After the analysis of the basic results of orbit theory obtained with a particularly convenient orbit coordinates set, it is shown how the proposed F_eq satisfies the two conditions that make it an equilibrium distribution function: (i) it must depend only on the constants of motion and adiabatic invariants, and (ii) the guiding centers must remain confined for suitably long time. Furthermore, the F_eq can be modeled, with a proper choice of its parameters, to reproduce the most common distribution functions. A local Maxwellian distribution function is obtained for the thermal plasma in the Zero Orbit Width approximation. For the fusion \alpha particles, F_eq can also reproduce the Slowing Down (SD) distribution function. More generally, for supra-thermal particles, when external heatings are present, such as (N)NBI and ICRH, the proposed model distribution function shows similarities with the anisotropic SD and the biMaxwellian distribution functions. F_eq can be used to fit experimental profiles and it could provide a useful tool for experimental and numerical data analysis. Moreover, it could help to develop analytical computations for facilitating data interpretation in the light of theoretical models. This distribution function can be easily implemented in gyrokinetic codes, where it can be used to simulate plasma also in the presence of external heating sources.