Nonlinear gyrokinetic equations for low-frequency electromagnetic waves in general plasma equilibria

A nonlinear gyrokinetic formalism for low frequency (less than the cyclotron frequency) microscopic electromagnetic perturbations in general magnetic field configurations is developed. The nonlinear equations thus derived are valid in the strong turbulence regions and contain effects due to finite Larmor radius, plasma inhomogeneities, and magnetic field geometries. The specific case of axisymmetric Tokamaks is then considered, and a model nonlinear equation is derived for electrostatic drift waves. Also, applying the formalism to the shear Alfven wave heating scene, it is found that nonlinear ion Landau damping of kinetic shear Alfven waves is modified, both qualitatively and quantitatively, by the diamagnetic drift effects. In particular, wave energy is found to cascade in wavenumber instead of frequency.