UC San Diego

It is shown that the short wavelength (k⊥2ρi2>1, k⊥ is the characteristic wave vector, and ρi is the ion Larmor radius) electromagnetic drift wave turbulence in typical conditions is unstable with respect to the excitation of large scale perturbations of the plasma flow and magnetic field. It is found that the generation of zonal flow is reduced (compared to the long wavelength ion temperature gradient turbulence) due to the Boltzmann nature of the ion response. Magnetic fluctuations further reduce zonal flow drive due to competition of the Reynolds and Maxwell stresses. It is shown that secondary magnetic field structures may be generated in the electromagnetic drift wave turbulence thus leading to the increased levels of the electron energy transport.