The role of polarization current in magnetic island evolution

The polarization current plays an important role in the evolution of magnetic islands with a width comparable to the characteristic ion orbit width. Understanding the evolution of such small magnetic islands is important for two reasons: (1) to investigate the threshold mechanisms for growth of large-scale islands (e.g., neoclassical tearing modes), and (2) to describe the drive mechanisms for small-scale magnetic turbulence and consequent transport. This article presents a two-fluid, cold ion, collisional analysis of the role of the polarization current in magnetic island evolution in slab geometry. It focuses on the role played by the conjunction of parallel electron dynamics and perpendicular transport (particle diffusion and viscosity) in determining the island rotation frequency and the distribution of the polarization current within the island. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.