Linear Gyrokinetic Simulations of Micro-tearing Mode: Local versus Global

Abstract

A systematic comparison of local and global linear gyrokinetic simulations of micro-tearing modes (MTMs) is performed using the GENE code. The analysis spans diverse plasma parameters, including the core regions with normal and weak magnetic shear, as well as the pedestal region with the strong plasma non-uniformity. The global simulations reveal a distinct MTM type characterized by a `parity mixing' mode structure, which can be significantly destabilized by trapped electrons. Moreover, in contrast to electrostatic drift wave instabilities, the current layer width ($ \Delta _c $) is identified as the crucial factor determining the importance of global effects. The MTM in the core region exhibits the slab-like feature with narrow $ \Delta _c $, leading to high consistency between local and global results. However, in the pedestal region, the steep pressure gradient broadens $\Delta_c$, driving quantitative deviations when $\Delta_c$ becomes comparable to the plasma pressure gradient scale length. For high-$n$ MTMs, $ \Delta _c $ can exceed the distance between adjacent mode rational surfaces. The resulted overlapping of current layers enhances the toroidal mode coupling effect, accounting for the substantial discrepancies observed between local and global simulations.