Plasma-Neutral Gas Interaction Effects on the Stability of Drift Modes

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Abstract
In quasi-steady fusion reactors partially ionized boundary layers are likely to be formed. The plasma density is then expected to be peaked close to the boundary. The possibility of large density gradients driving unstable drift modes in these layers is investigated. The expected magnetic shear, due to induced plasma currents in such systems, as well as minimum-average-Bproperties of the magnetic field, are probably insufficient to significantly influence the stability properties of these modes. However, effects associated with plasma-neutral gas interactions as well as with a finite Larmor radius and ion viscosity modify the behaviour of drift modes and introduce stabilizing effects.