This textbook begins with a description of the Earth's plasma environment, followed by the derivation of single particle motions in electromagnetic fields, with applications to the Earth's magnetosphere. Also discussed are the origin and effects of collisions and conductivities, formation of the ionosphere, magnetospheric convection and dynamics, and solar wind-magnetosphere coupling.The second half of the book presents a more theoretical foundation of plasma physics, starting with kinetic theory. Introducing moments of distribution function permits the derivation of the fluid equations, followed by an analysis of fluid boundaries, with the Earth's magnetopause and bow shock as examples, and finally, fluid and kinetic theory are applied to derive the relevant wave modes in a plasma.This revised edition seamlessly integrates new sections on magnetopause reconstruction, as well as instability theory and thermal fluctuations based on new developments in space physics. Applications such as the important problems of collisionless reconnection and collisionless shocks are covered, and some problems have also been included at the end of each chapter.

Since the publication of the original volumes in 1983 and 1984 a demand has arisen for a compact version of the Handbook suitable for graduate students. The editors have therefore made a selection of chapters based on the educational needs of graduate students embarking on a study of plasma physics. Most of the chapters are devoted to the theory of small amplitude perturbations which is the most well developed aspect of the subject. The remaining ones are concerned with weak nonlinear waves, and collapse and self-focusing of Langmuir waves, two topics of widespread interest and application. Finally an important chapter on particle simulation has been included, as that numerical technique plays an essential role in the development an understanding of plasma physics. The unabridged author and subject index have been specially adapted for this edition and provide an opening to literature and terminology of yet unrivalled breadth.

Beginning at an introductory level, this text presents a thorough treatment of plasma physics, including an extensive discussion of its applications in thermonuclear fusion research. A novel feature of this book is its comprehensive description of the various concepts and formulas widely used in fusion theory based on the fundamental equations of the plasma fluid. The physics of fusion plasmas is explained mainly in relation to recent progress in tokamak research, but other plasma confinement schemes, such as stellarators and inertial confinement, are also described. The unique and systematic presentation will help readers to understand the overall structure of plasma theory and will facilitate access to more advanced literature on special topics.

A general introduction designed to present a comprehensive, logical and unified treatment of the fundamentals of plasma physics based on statistical kinetic theory. Its clarity and completeness make it suitable for self-learning and self-paced courses. Problems are included.

This edited collection of papers by pioneering experts was a standard text throughout the 1960s and 70s. A timeless introduction to foundations of plasma physics and a valuable source of historic context. 1961 edition.

A comprehensive textbook on the foundational principles of plasmas, including material on advanced topics and related disciplines such as optics, fluid dynamics, and astrophysics Foundations of Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematicians covers the basic physics underlying plasmas and describes the methodology and techniques used in both plasma research and other disciplines such as optics and fluid mechanics. Designed to help readers develop physical understanding and mathematical competence in the subject, this rigorous textbook discusses the underlying theoretical foundations of plasma physics as well as a range of specific problems, focused on those principally associated with fusion. Reflective of the development of plasma physics, the text first introduces readers to the collective and collisional behaviors of plasma, the single particle model, wave propagation, the kinetic effects of gases and plasma, and other foundational concepts and principles. Subsequent chapters cover topics including the hydrodynamic limit of plasma, ideal magneto-hydrodynamics, waves in MHD plasmas, magnetically confined plasma, and waves in magnetized hot and cold plasma. Written by an acknowledged expert with more than five decades’ active research experience in the field, this authoritative text: Identifies and emphasizes the similarities and differences between plasmas and fluids Describes the different types of interparticle forces that influence the collective behavior of plasma Demonstrates and stresses the importance of coherent and collective effects in plasma Contains an introduction to interactions between laser beams and plasma Includes supplementary sections on the basic models of low temperature plasma and the theory of complex variables and Laplace transforms Foundations of Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematicians is the ideal textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in plasma physics, and a valuable compendium for physicists working in plasma physics and fluid mechanics.

This unified introduction provides the tools and techniques needed to analyze plasmas and connects plasma phenomena to other fields of study. Combining mathematical rigor with qualitative explanations, and linking theory to practice with example problems, this is a perfect textbook for senior undergraduate and graduate students taking one-semester introductory plasma physics courses. For the first time, material is presented in the context of unifying principles, illustrated using organizational charts, and structured in a successive progression from single particle motion, to kinetic theory and average values, through to collective phenomena of waves in plasma. This provides students with a stronger understanding of the topics covered, their interconnections, and when different types of plasma models are applicable. Furthermore, mathematical derivations are rigorous, yet concise, so physical understanding is not lost in lengthy mathematical treatments. Worked examples illustrate practical applications of theory and students can test their new knowledge with 90 end-of-chapter problems.

Unveiling the Secrets of Plasma Physics: A Practical Guide to Computational Simulations Plasma physics focuses on the most abundant state of matter in the universe, corresponding to ionized gas comprising ions and electrons. It can be created artificially and has a huge range of technological applications, from television displays to fusion energy research. Every application of plasma technology requires its own numerical solution to the complex physical and mathematical equations which govern the research field of plasma physics. Modelling and Simulation in Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematics offers an introduction to the principles of simulating plasma physics applications. It provides knowledge not only of the fundamental algorithms in computational fluid mechanics, but also their specific role in a plasma physics context. In addition, the book dissects the challenges and advancements, unveiling the delicate balance between accuracy and computational cost. Modelling and Simulation in Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematics readers will also find: Cutting-edge computational insights where powerful simulations meet theoretical complexities, providing physicists and mathematicians a gateway to cutting-edge research. An overview of programming language-agnostic code generation and the construction of adaptable models that resonate with the intricate dynamics of plasma physics, ensuring precision in every simulation. Advanced simplification strategies, including time splitting, analytic models, averaged rates, and tabular material, offering scientists and engineers a roadmap to balance computational demands with scientific rigor. Modelling and Simulation in Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematics is ideal for plasma physicists, students, and engineers looking to work with plasma technologies.

This book serves as an introduction to boundary plasma physics, providing an accessible entry point to the topic of plasma exhaust in magnetic confinement devices. While it delivers a concise, rigorous, and comprehensive account of all the major scientific topics relevant to those working on the subject, it also remains accessible and easy to consult due to its modular and compact structure. Beginning with the basic kinetic and fluid descriptions of plasma, and advancing through plasma-surface interactions, filamentary transport and plasma detachment, to conclude with a discussion of divertor configurations, this book represents a necessary and timely addition to the literature on the fast-growing field of boundary plasma physics. It will appeal to experienced theoreticians or experimentalists looking to enter the field as well as graduate students wishing to learn about it.