Distribution function and diffusion of α-particles in DT fusion plasma

In the Fokker-Planck approximation, a general solution of the kinetic equation for the distribution function of non-thermal α-particles in spatially uniform DT plasma is obtained. Previously obtained solutions are then derived as special cases. Transport equations describing diffusion of non-thermal α-particles are obtained and diffusion coefficients are calculated. To compare the hydrodynamic and kinetic descriptions of non-thermal α-particle energy transport, the critical ignition length of the overheating instability in DT fusion plasma, determined by non-local plasma heating due to α-particle diffusion, is calculated using both approaches. The two results are in good agreement. (author)