Finite Larmor radius effects at the high confinement mode pedestal and the related force-free steady state

Abstract

In this letter, we will first relate our previous calculations on the radial electric field at the high confinement H-mode pedestal to the actual magnetic fusion experimental measurements. We will then discuss the new pressure balance due to the E × B current, which is induced by the resulting radial electric field, and its impact on the gyrokinetic MHD equations as well as their conservation properties in the force-free steady state. The recent controversy on the H-mode physics will also be addressed.