title: Finite Larmor-radius theory of magnetic island evolution.
abstract: Gyrokinetic theory is used to investigate the effect of the polarization drift on magnetic island evolution. Three regimes are found. For island phase velocities between the ion- and electric-drift velocities, the polarization current is shown to be stabilizing. For phase velocities between the electric- and electron-drift velocities, the island emits drift waves. This results in a radiative drag force. For all other phase velocities the polarization current is destabilizing, in agreement with the fluid limit.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Fusion Studies, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Waelbroeck
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Connor
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Wilson