This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of laser-plasma interactions (LPI), based on a graduate course taught by the author. The emphasis is on high-energy-density physics (HEDP) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF), with a comprehensive description of the propagation, absorption, nonlinear effects and parametric instabilities of high energy lasers in plasmas. The recent demonstration of a burning plasma on the verge of nuclear fusion ignition at the National Ignition Facility in Livermore, California, has marked the beginning of a new era of ICF and fusion research. These new developments make LPI more relevant than ever, and the resulting influx of new scientists necessitates new pedagogical material on the subject. In contrast to the classical textbooks on LPI, this book provides a complete description of all wave-coupling instabilities in unmagnetized plasmas in the kinetic as well as fluid pictures, and includes a comprehensive description of the optical smoothing techniques used on high-power lasers and their impact on laser-plasma instabilities. It summarizes all the key developments from the 1970s to the present day in view of the current state of LPI and ICF research; it provides a derivation of the key LPI metrics and formulas from first principles, and connects the theory to experimental observables. With exercises and plenty of illustrations, this book is ideal as a textbook for a course on laser-plasma interactions or as a supplementary text for graduate introductory plasma physics course. Students and researchers will also find it to be an invaluable reference and self-study resource.

Laser-Plasma Interactions and Applications covers the fundamental and applied aspects of high power laser-plasma physics. With an internationally renowned team of authors, the book broadens the knowledge of young researchers working in high power laser-plasma science by providing them with a thorough pedagogical grounding in the interaction of laser radiation with matter, laser-plasma accelerators, and inertial confinement fusion. The text is organised such that the theoretical foundations of the subject are discussed first, in Part I. In Part II, topics in the area of high energy density physics are covered. Parts III and IV deal with the applications to inertial confinement fusion and as a driver of particle and radiation sources, respectively. Finally, Part V describes the principle diagnostic, targetry, and computational approaches used in the field. This book is designed to give students a thorough foundation in the fundamental physics of laser-plasma interactions. It will also provide readers with knowledge of the latest research trends and elucidate future exciting challenges in laser-plasma science.

Laser-Plasma Interactions 4 is the fourth book in a series devoted to the study of laser-plasma interactions. Subjects covered include laser light propagation, instabilities, compression and hydrodynamics, spectroscopy, diagnostics, computer code, dense plasmas, high-power lasers, X-UV sources and lasers, beat waves, and transport processes.

This book focuses on the physics of laser plasma interactions and presents a complementary and very useful numerical model of plasmas. It describes the linear theory of light wave propagation in plasmas, including linear mode conversion into plasma waves and collisional damping.

A Solid Compendium of Advanced Diagnostic and Simulation ToolsExploring the most exciting and topical areas in this field, Laser-Plasma Interactions focuses on the interaction of intense laser radiation with plasma. After discussing the basic theory of the interaction of intense electromagnetic radiation fields with matter, the book covers three ap

This volume provides a broad overview in the increasingly important field of laser-plasma interactions. With the growth of research into fusion much international effort is being devoted to the problems of inertial confinement. This collection of lectures provides the novice researcher with the context in which current research papers can be understood. Laser Plasma Interactions 5 is one of the first publications to include recently declassified results from the United States inertial confinement fusion research program and as such is an indispensable reference for those wishing to find out about this previously inaccessible research. Presented by 14 speakers of international repute, the emphasis throughout the volume is on inertial confinement fusion. Topics also covered include plasma radiation and transport processes, diagnostic measurements, dense plasmas, high power lasers and X-ray lasers.

Recent advances in the development of lasers with more energy, power, and brightness have opened up new possibilities for exciting applications. Applications of Laser-Plasma Interactions reviews the current status of high power laser applications. The book first explores the science and technology behind the ignition and burn of imploded fusion fue

Covers parametric instabilities, laser charged particle acceleration, surface plasmonics and free electron lasers in depth.

The continuous trend towards higher and higher laser intensities has opened the way to new physical regimes and advanced applications of laser-plasma interactions, thus stimulating novel connections with ultrafast optics, astrophysics, particle physics, and biomedical applications. This book is primarily oriented towards students and young researchers who need to acquire rapidly a basic knowledge of this active and rapidly changing research field. To this aim, the presentation is focused on a selection of basic models and inspiring examples, and includes topics which emerged recently such as ion acceleration, "relativistic engineering" and radiation friction. The contents are presented in a self-contained way assuming only a basic knowledge of classical electrodynamics, mechanics and relativistic dynamics at the undergraduate (Bachelor) level, without requiring any previous knowledge of plasma physics. Hence, the book may serve in several ways: as a compact textbook for lecture courses, as a short and accessible introduction for the newcomer, as a quick reference for the experienced researcher, and also as an introduction to some nonlinear mathematical methods through examples of their application to laser-plasma modeling.

This 6th International Workshop in the series starting in 1969 was held at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California from 25-29 October, 1982 under the continuing directorship of Heinrich Hora. The co-directorship of the late Helmut Schwarz who helped found the series was assumed by George Miley. Fred Schwirzke served as the local organizer. Following a commemoration for Helmut Schwarz, Heinrich Hora connnented that the long title of the workshop is originally due to Nicholas Bloembergen, who prophetically envisaged that "related plasma phenomena" such as is involved in particle beam fusion is also of enormous interest to the laser connnunity. The en thusiastic response of the workshop advisors and the 82 participants from 11 countries supports the need for a continuation of this work shop-type meeting where an innnediate discussion and documentation of new results and conceptual formulations occurs, a process not possible through the usual journals. The main sponsor of this year's confer ence was the Fusion Studies Laboratory of the University of Illinois. Thanks are also due to the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, and the Department of Theoretical Physics, University of New South Wales. The conference was made feasible by the contributions of the partici pants, and they and their institutions deserve many thanks. Special recognition is due to the Conference Secretary, Chris Stalker (Urbana), as well as to Marie Wesson (Sydney) and to Patricia Vardaro (Monterey).