An Introduction to Special Relativity for Radiation and Plasma Physics

An introduction to special relativity and its applications, with an emphasis on the interaction and production of light in plasma.

Greg Tallents (Author)

9781009236065, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 November 2022

350 pages
25 x 17.5 x 2 cm, 0.72 kg

'This book commences with introductory treatments that may be covered by undergraduate courses and then comprehensively covers topics such as relativistic plasmas, free electron lasers, relativistic collisional processes and relativistic optics. I found the inclusion of introductory material useful. Here simple treatments introduce relativity, the wave equation and emission from accelerating charges. In later chapters, most of the material needed for in-depth special relativistic work is presented, including an introduction to four vectors, the transformation of electric and magnetic fields between frames and aspects of relativistic plasma physics. The early chapters are helpful in navigating the later, more research-oriented chapters. I strongly recommend the book to students and researchers seeking a presentation of introductory special relativity in the context of laser-plasma research, astrophysics and the physics of relativistic radiation sources.' Edmond Turcu, UKRI/STFC Central Laser Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

This textbook introduces the topic of special relativity, with a particular emphasis upon light-matter interaction and the production of light in plasma. The physics of special relativity is intuitively developed and related to the radiative processes of light. The book reviews the underlying theory of special relativity, before extending the discussion to applications frequently encountered by postgraduates and researchers in astrophysics, high power laser interactions and the users of specialized light sources, such as synchrotrons and free electron lasers. A highly pedagogical approach is adopted throughout, and numerous exercises are included within each chapter to reinforce the presentation of key concepts and applications of the material.

Preface
1. A brief introduction to special relativity and light
2. An introduction to relativistic kinematics, kinetics and energy
3. Relativity and electromagnetic fields
4. Electromagnetic wave interactions with plasma and other matter
5. Particle motion and radiation in electric and magnetic fields
6. Photon and particle distribution functions
7. Radiation emission, absorption and scatter in plasmas
8. Collisional processes
9. Relativistic optics
10. Solutions to selected exercises
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Nuclear chemistry, photochemistry & radiation [PNRL], Astrophysics [PHVB], Relativity physics [PHR], Optical physics [PHJ], Plasma physics [PHFP]