Deformation of invariant tori under perturbation

Abstract

This study extends the functional perturbation theory~(FPT) of dynamical systems, which was initially developed for investigating the shifts of magnetic field line trajectories within the chaotic edge region of plasma when subjected to global perturbations. By contrast, invariant tori reside in the ordered regions of phase space. In magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) devices, these tori manifest as closed flux surfaces, with their nested structure governing radial transport and thus playing a critical role in confinement performance. Using the method of variation as a mathematical foundation, this Letter derives formulae that characterize the deformation of invariant tori under perturbation. These results provide new tools for targeted topology control in tokamak operations and for optimizing stellarator designs by enhancing predictive capability for flux surface behaviour.