Original Title: The Physics Of Plasmas

A comprehensive introductory graduate textbook illustrating specialised topics in current physics.

Original Title: Physics Of Plasmas

A short, self-sufficient introduction to the physics of plasma for beginners as well as researchers in a number of fields. The author looks at the dynamics and stability of magnetoplasma and discusses wave and transport in this medium. He also looks at such applications as fusion research using magnetic confinement of Deuterium plasma, solar physics with its plasma loops reaching high into the corona, sunspots and solar wind, engineering applications to metallurgy, MHD direct generation of electricity, and railguns, finally touching on the relatively new and difficult subject of dusty plasmas. The book includes mathematical notes and 99 exercises that supplement the theory presented and thus offers the beginner an easy introduction to this exciting field. It is an equally good textbook for final year undergraduates and first year research students.

Original Title: Fundamentals Of Plasma Physics

This rigorous explanation of plasmas is relevant to diverse plasma applications such as controlled fusion, astrophysical plasmas, solar physics, magnetospheric plasmas, and plasma thrusters. More thorough than previous texts, it exploits new powerful mathematical techniques to develop deeper insights into plasma behavior. After developing the basic plasma equations from first principles, the book explores single particle motion with particular attention to adiabatic invariance. The author then examines types of plasma waves and the issue of Landau damping. Magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium and stability are tackled with emphasis on the topological concepts of magnetic helicity and self-organization. Advanced topics follow, including magnetic reconnection, nonlinear waves, and the Fokker–Planck treatment of collisions. The book concludes by discussing unconventional plasmas such as non-neutral and dusty plasmas. Written for beginning graduate students and advanced undergraduates, this text emphasizes the fundamental principles that apply across many different contexts.

Original Title: Waves In Plasmas

"Blurb & Contents" "The reader is treated to constantly refreshing and engaging commentary and opinion that always informs....As she depicts them, the problems of the universe are always fascinating and, most of all, they are alive and compelling." David DeVorkin, Sky & Telescope Virginia Trimble offers readers a fascinating and accessible tour of the stars. An astronomer with shared appointments in California and Maryland, the author ranges over a large portion of the universe as she discusses the search for life on other planets, how galaxies form, why stars explode and die, and the nature of the elusive dark matter in the universe. She also explains the astronomical significance of Cheeps' pyramid and leads the reader through scientific speculation about what and when the Star of Bethlehem might have been. Throughout, Trimble points to the exciting unanswered questions that still perplex the field and considers the formidable tasks to be faced by the next generation of young astronomers.

Original Title: Physics Of Intense Beams In Plasmas

Physics of Intense Beams in Plasmas is a comprehensive description of the interaction between extremely intense particle beams and plasmas. The emphasis is on experimental beam-plasma physics, but the necessary theory is also explained-much of which is innovative and original. Central to the book is the discussion of beam instabilities, emphasizing their hydrodynamic nature.

Original Title: The Physics Of Fluids And Plasmas

A good working knowledge of fluid mechanics and plasma physics is essential for the modern astrophysicist. This graduate textbook provides a clear, pedagogical introduction to these core subjects. Assuming an undergraduate background in physics, this book develops fluid mechanics and plasma physics from first principles. This book is unique because it presents neutral fluids and plasmas in a unified scheme, clearly indicating both their similarities and their differences. Also, both the macroscopic (continuum) and microscopic (particle) theories are developed, establishing the connections between them. Throughout, key examples from astrophysics are used, though no previous knowledge of astronomy is assumed. Exercises are included at the end of chapters to test the reader's understanding. This textbook is aimed primarily at astrophysics graduate students. It will also be of interest to advanced students in physics and applied mathematics seeking a unified view of fluid mechanics and plasma physics, encompassing both the microscopic and macroscopic theories.

Original Title: Interaction Of Electromagnetic Waves With Electron Beams And Plasmas

The interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter has always been a fascinating subject of study. As matter in the universe is mostly in the plasma state, the study of electromagnetic waves in plasmas is of importance to astrophysics, space physics and ionospheric physics. The physics of electromagnetic wave interacting with electron beams and plasmas also serves as a basis for coherent radiation generation such as free electron laser and gyrotron and advanced accelerators. This monograph aims at reviewing the physical processes of linear and nonlinear collective interactions of electromagnetic waves with electron beams and unmagnetized plasmas. Contents:IntroductionBasic Equations and Properties of Linear WavesResonance AbsorptionThe Plasma Wave Excitation by Two Lasers Beating and Particle AccelerationCoherent Emission of RadiationSelf Focusing and FilamentationParametric Instabilities in a Homogeneous PlasmaA Nonlinear Schrödinger EquationParametric Instabilities in an Inhomogeneous Plasma Readership: Applied and plasma physicists, space scientists, electrical engineers, graduate students in physics and electrical engineers. keywords:Laser Plasma Interaction;Electromagnetic Waves in Plasmas;Charged Particle Acceleration;Nonlinear Wave Plasma Interaction;Parametric Instabilities in Plasmas;Electromagnetic Emissions from Beams;Free Electron Laser;Waves in Plasmas;Stimulated Raman and Brillion Scattering in Plasmas;Linear and Nonlinear Waves in Plasmas; “A unique feature of Liu and Tripathi's book is that it gives the mathematical basis of many concepts that are taken for granted in other reviews. Such mathematical treatments are often omitted in, for example, William Kruer's well-known text, The Physics of Laser Plasma Interaction (Addison-Wesley, 1987). The new monograph thus fills an important gap. Further, its derivations are reasonably detailed, and key results are displayed for ready use … The authors have made important contributions to parametric processes in plasmas and their account is authoritative … The lucid and sometimes beautiful physical explanations are a pleasure to read. The succinct summaries given at the beginning of each chapter are useful … is highly recommended to those who wish to launch a serious study of laser-plasma interaction. It should also be useful for a special-topics course at the advanced graduate level.” Physics Today

Original Title: Physics Of Radio Frequency Plasmas

Low-temperature radio frequency plasmas are essential in various sectors of advanced technology, from micro-engineering to spacecraft propulsion systems and efficient sources of light. The subject lies at the complex interfaces between physics, chemistry and engineering. Focusing mostly on physics, this book will interest graduate students and researchers in applied physics and electrical engineering. The book incorporates a cutting-edge perspective on RF plasmas. It also covers basic plasma physics including transport in bounded plasmas and electrical diagnostics. Its pedagogic style engages readers, helping them to develop physical arguments and mathematical analyses. Worked examples apply the theories covered to realistic scenarios, and over 100 in-text questions let readers put their newly acquired knowledge to use and gain confidence in applying physics to real laboratory situations.

Original Title: Radiation And Waves In Plasmas

Original Title: Waves In Dusty Space Plasmas

In this volume a thorough review is given of waves in dusty plasmas, a fascinating new domain combining plasmas and charged dust, two omnipresent ingredients of the Universe. Spokes and braids observed in the rings of Saturn cannot be explained by gravitation alone, but need the presence of charged dust. Other examples abound, as in zodiacal light, noctilucent clouds, comets and molecular clouds. After discussing charging mechanisms, supported by exciting new experiments, and space observations, the book describes extensions of known plasma modes covering the low frequencies typical for charged dust. Mixing detailed theoretical steps with summaries of expert contributions, a systematic multi-species treatment puts the literature in perspective, suitable also for newcomers. Typical complications like fluctuating dust charges, self-gravitational effects, and size distributions are dealt with, before ending with an outlook to future work and open questions. In this way, experts as well as interested newcomers will find a reliable guide, not just a compendium.