Stochastic diffusion of energetic ions in Wendelstein-line stellarators: Numerical validation of theory predictions and new findings

Stochastic motion of 3.5-MeV alpha particles with orbits that vary between locally trapped and locally passing states (transitioning particles) in a Helias reactor is observed numerically for the first time. This validates theory prediction that the collisionless stochastic diffusion of these particles represents a mechanism of considerable delayed loss of fast ions in quasi-isodynamic stellarators [Beidler et al., Phys. Plasmas 8, 2731 (2001)]. The numerical calculation has also demonstrated a possibility to prevent the escape of particles to the wall by making the separatrix between the locally trapped and passing states closed, as was proposed in Tykhyy et al. [Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 49, 703 (2007)]. It is found that stochastic regions can vary from very narrow to very wide that occupy almost the whole plasma cross section. It is shown that the fraction of alpha particles with closed separatrix in the population of transition alphas can be considerable. Potentially, this fraction can be increased, and the number of transitioning particles can be reduced by a special optimization of the magnetic configuration, which decreases delayed losses of alphas by means of reducing the separatrix maximum radius. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

This study presents the first numerical observation of stochastic motion of 3.5-MeV alpha particles in a Helias reactor, validating the theory prediction. The study also suggests the possibility of preventing particle escape to the wall by optimizing the magnetic configuration.