Maximum-J (J is the second adiabatic invariant) capability, i.e., the radial derivative of J has the same sign as that of pressure, is investigated in a quasiaxisymmetric (QA) stellarator to investigate improved confinement. Due to the existence of nonaxisymmetry of the magnetic field strength, a local maximum of J is created to cause the drift reversal. External controllability of the maximum-J condition is also demonstrated, by which the impact of magnetic configuration on turbulent transport can be studied.

• Received 23 January 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.64.015401