Principles of Plasma Diagnostics

Introduction to the physics of plasma diagnostics measurements, covering recent developments, for theorists and experimentalists.

I. H. Hutchinson (Author)

9780521675741, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 July 2005

460 pages, 172 b/w illus. 50 exercises
23.3 x 15.5 x 2.3 cm, 0.63 kg

'… provides an excellent introduction to the physical principles upon which plasma measurements are based … Hutchinson's wonderfully clear book should be compulsory reading for those who want to study plasma physics. It is an eye-opening guide to one of the most vibrant branches of science that is changing the perception of our surrounding universe.' Astronomy & Geophysics

This book provides a systematic introduction to the physics behind measurements on plasmas. It develops from first principles the concepts needed to plan, execute, and interpret plasma diagnostics. The book is therefore accessible to graduate students and professionals with little specific plasma physics background, but is also a valuable reference for seasoned plasma physicists. Most of the examples are taken from laboratory plasma research, but the focus on principles makes the treatment useful to all experimental and theoretical plasma physicists, including those interested in space and astrophysical applications. This second edition is thoroughly revised and updated, with new sections and chapters covering recent developments in the field. Specific areas of added coverage include neutral-beam-based diagnostics, flow measurement with mach probes, equilibrium of strongly shaped plasmas and fusion product diagnostics.

Preface to first edition
Preface to second edition
1. Plasma diagnostics
2. Magnetic diagnostics
3. Plasma particle flux
4. Refractive-index measurements
5. Electromagnetic emission by free electrons
6. Electromagnetic radiation from bound electrons
7. Scattering of electromagnetic radiation
8. Neutral atom diagnostics
9. Fast ions and fusion products
Appendices
Glossary.

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