Magnetic Reconnection in Plasmas

This book, first published in 2000, is a comprehensive introduction to this major topic in plasma physics; for graduates and researchers.

Dieter Biskamp (Author)

9780521582889, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 September 2000

404 pages, 135 b/w illus.
24.4 x 17 x 2.4 cm, 0.84 kg

'Magnetic reconnection is one of the most fascinating subjects in plasma physics. It is basically a process by which the close tie between plasma motions and magnetic fields is broken. I recommend Magnetic Reconnection in Plasmas very highly to all researchers who are active in the field.' EOS

This book, first published in 2000, provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory of magnetic field line reconnection, now a major subject in plasma physics. The book focuses on the various reconnection mechanisms dominating magnetic processes under the different plasma conditions encountered in astrophysical systems and in laboratory fusion devices. The book consists of two major parts: the first deals with the classical resistive approach, while the second presents an overview of weakly collisional or collisionless plasmas. Applications primarily concern astrophysical phenomena and dynamo theory, with emphasis on the solar and geodynamo, as well as magnetospheric substorms, the most spectacular reconnection events in the magnetospheric plasma. The theoretical procedures and results also apply directly to reconnection processes in laboratory plasmas, in particular the sawtooth phenomenon in tokamaks. The book will be of value to graduate students and researchers interested in magnetic processes both in astrophysical and laboratory plasma physics.

1. Introduction
2. Basic kinematic concepts
3. Current sheets
4. Resistive instabilities
5. Dynamo theory
6. Noncollisional reconnection processes
7. Microscopic theory of magnetic reconnection
8. Magnetospheric substorms.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB], Plasma physics [PHFP]