Electron Cyclotron Drift Instability and Turbulence

Abstract

The linear theory of the electron-cyclotron drift instability, including off angle and collisional effects, is discussed in the context of applications to controlled fusion and collisionless shocks. With the help of numerical simulations it is then shown in detail that a strong nonlinear development of the instability causes anomalous resistance to current flow perpendicular to magnetic field lines, which is large enough to be consistent with the anomalous diffusion seen in these applications. In particular a repeated trapping and untrapping of electrons in combined electrostatic-magnetic wells is an essential part of the nonlinear resistive heating process. A relatively steady resistance and turbulence level is seen, in contrast with the short burst of turbulence produced by many magnetic field free beam plasma instabilities.