Introduction to Plasma Physics
With Space, Laboratory and Astrophysical Applications

Introducing the principles and applications of plasma physics, this new edition is ideal as an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level text.

Donald A. Gurnett (Author), Amitava Bhattacharjee (Author)

9781107027374, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 February 2017

532 pages, 230 b/w illus. 4 tables
25.5 x 18.2 x 2.7 cm, 1.19 kg

'The approach of the book is in-depth and exhaustive. The derivations are detailed, with few 'and then the miracle happens' steps, which makes the book suitable for advanced undergraduates as well as researchers. Together with the meticulous mathematics, the physics is described in an intuitive way, which helps build a clear mental picture of plasma phenomena … I found the writing style refreshingly direct and readable throughout. As an aid to undergraduate teaching, most chapters finish with a problem section, with questions at a variety of levels, and suggestions for further reading … as an introduction to the general underpinning physics of plasma phenomena, it is an excellent book that I can see myself referring to extensively in future.' Stephen Milan, The Observatory

Introducing basic principles of plasma physics and their applications to space, laboratory and astrophysical plasmas, this new edition provides updated material throughout. Topics covered include single-particle motions, kinetic theory, magnetohydrodynamics, small amplitude waves in hot and cold plasmas, and collisional effects. New additions include the ponderomotive force, tearing instabilities in resistive plasmas and the magnetorotational instability in accretion disks, charged particle acceleration by shocks, and a more in-depth look at nonlinear phenomena. A broad range of applications are explored: planetary magnetospheres and radiation belts, the confinement and stability of plasmas in fusion devices, the propagation of discontinuities and shock waves in the solar wind, and analysis of various types of plasma waves and instabilities that can occur in planetary magnetospheres and laboratory plasma devices. With step-by-step derivations and self-contained introductions to mathematical methods, this book is ideal as an advanced undergraduate to graduate-level textbook, or as a reference for researchers.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Characteristic parameters of a plasma
3. Single particle motions
4. Waves in a cold plasma
5. Kinetic theory and the moment equations
6. Magnetohydrodynamics
7. MHD equilibria and stability
8. Discontinuities and shock waves
9. Electrostatic waves in a hot unmagnetized plasma
10. Waves in a hot magnetized plasma
11. Nonlinear effects
12. Collisional processes
Appendix A. Symbols
Appendix B. Useful trigonometric identities
Appendix C. Vector differential operators
Appendix D. Vector calculus identities
Index.

Subject Areas: Plasma physics [PHFP], Materials / States of matter [PHF], Physics [PH], Mathematics & science [P]