Foundations for the theory of transport in thermonuclear fusion plasmas

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The objective of this research is to form a foundation for the theory of transport of plasmas, in which thermonuclear fusion reaction takes place. In particular, focuses are made upon the issues, for which the burning plasmas show qualitative differences from non-burning plasmas. For instance, the fusion ignition itself could be an origin of plasma turbulence that is responsible for the anomalous transport; fluctuations with long correlation length could have substantial impacts on transport; new type of transport bifurcation could occur in ignited plasmas.The research has made clear-cut contribution for these problems. One example is the transport of fusion-products. It was found that, when the Kubo-number of turbulence is larger than unity, the large-orbit effect of alpha particles enhances (contrary to the conventional knowledge) cross-field transport. Prototypical role of zonal flows, which have long radial correlation length, on the turbulent transport was analyzed thoroughly. Theoretical formula of turbulent transport coefficients, for which the impacts of zonal flows are renormalized, were obtained. A new type of transport bifurcation was also identified; in this transport bifurcation, the radial electric field, zonal flows and energetic particles play essential roles. Thus, this research programme has achieved a firm progress in understanding the turbulent transport in fusion burning plasmas.