Plasma Physics

This complete introduction to plasma physics and controlled fusion by one of the pioneering scientists in this expanding field offers both a simple and intuitive discussion of the basic concepts of this subject and an insight into the challenging problems of current research. In a wholly lucid manner the work covers single-particle motions, fluid equations for plasmas, wave motions, diffusion and resistivity, Landau damping, plasma instabilities and nonlinear problems.

This combination of text and reference book describes the physical, plasma and chemical processes controlling the behavior of ionospheres, upper atmospheres and exospheres. It summarizes the structure, chemistry, dynamics and energetics of the terrestrial ionosphere and other solar system bodies, and discusses the processes, mechanisms and transport equations for solving fundamental research problems.

This thesis deals with an optimization problem from the field of theoretical plasma physics. Specifically, it deals with the question of how the accelerated electrons are spatially arranged in a plasma wave generated by a laser pulse. An internal structure of this so-called witness beam is of interest for the radiation characteristics of such electron beams, in particular with regard to the coherence of the generated radiation. The resulting internal structure of the electron beam is a result of the interaction of the electrons with each other and the electric fields of the wakefield, therefore it is determined by solving a minimization problem. The thesis builds on previous results in this field and aims to find suggestions for improved algorithms to determine the minimum sought.

The primary objectives of this book are, firstly, to present the essential theoretical background needed to understand recent fusion research and, secondly, to describe the current status of fusion research for graduate students and senior undergraduates.

This thesis deals with an optimization problem from the field of theoretical plasma physics. Specifically, it deals with the question of how the accelerated electrons are spatially arranged in a plasma wave generated by a laser pulse. An internal structure of this so-called witness beam is of interest for the radiation characteristics of such electron beams, in particular with regard to the coherence of the generated radiation. The resulting internal structure of the electron beam is a result of the interaction of the electrons with each other and the electric fields of the wakefield, therefore it is determined by solving a minimization problem. The thesis builds on previous results in this field and aims to find suggestions for improved algorithms to determine the minimum sought.