Gyrokinetic df simulation of the collisionless and semicollisional tearing mode instability

The evolution of collisionless and semicollisional tearing mode instabilities is studied using an electromagnetic gyrokinetic df particle-in-cell simulation model. Drift-kinetic electrons are used. Linear eigenmode analysis is presented for the case of fixed ions and there is excellent agreement with simulation. A double peaked eigenmode structure is seen indicative of a positive D8. Nonlinear evolution of a magnetic island is studied and the results compare well with existing theory in terms of saturation level and electron bounce oscillations. Electron-ion collisions are included to study the semicollisional regime. The algebraic growth stage is observed and compares favorably with theory. Nonlinear saturation following the algebraic stage is observed. © 2005 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.1827216]