Plasma Kinetic Theory

Focusing on wave phenomena in plasmas, this text provides material for an introductory course on plasma physics and the basis for advanced course on kinetic theory. It covers fundamental kinetic equations, the Lenard-Balescu equation, and Vlasov-Maxwell equations as well as investigates the effects of collisions on various transport coefficients.

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Developed from the lectures of a leading expert in plasma wave research, Plasma Kinetic Theory provides the essential material for an introductory course on plasma physics as well as the basis for a more advanced course on kinetic theory. Exploring various wave phenomena in plasmas, it offers wide-ranging coverage of the field.

After introducing basic kinetic equations and the Lenard–Balescu equation, the book covers the important Vlasov–Maxwell equations. The solutions of these equations in linear and quasilinear approximations comprise the majority of kinetic theory. Another main topic in kinetic theory is to assess the effects of collisions or correlations in waves. The author discusses the effects of collisions in magnetized plasma and calculates the different transport coefficients, such as pressure tensor, viscosity, and thermal diffusion, that depend on collisions.

With worked examples and problem sets that enable sound comprehension, this text presents a detailed, mathematical approach to applying plasma kinetic theory to diffusion processes in plasmas.