Self-Organized-Criticality Model Consistent with Statistical Properties of Edge Turbulence in a Fusion Plasma

The statistical properties of the intermittent signal generated by a recent model for self-organized criticality are examined. A successful comparison is made with previously published results of the equivalent quantities measured in the electrostatic turbulence at the edge of a fusion plasma. This result reestablishes self-organized criticality as a potential paradigm for transport in magnetic fusion devices, overriding shortcomings pointed out in earlier works [ E. Spada et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 86 3032 (2001); V. Antoni et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 87 045001 (2001)].