Kappa Distributions

M. Lazar: Visiting Professor at the Centre for Mathematical Plasma Astrophysics, KU Leuven (2016-present), PhD degree in Physics – 2003, Research Associate at Theoretical Physics IV, Ruhr University Bochum (2010 – present), Refereed publications in plasma physics and astrophysics: approx. 115, H-index 24, Editor: ‘’Exploring the solar wind ” (Intechopen, doi: 10.5772/2079), Editor Associate with Frontiers: Physics, Space Physics, Reviewer for: Astron. Astrophys., Astrophys. J., Solar Phys., Phys. Plasmas, Planet. Space Science, Astrophys. Space Science, J. Geophys. Res., etc. H. Fichtner: PhD degree in Physics – 1991, Habilitation 2000, Research Associate at Department of Physics and Astronomy, Univ. of Calgary, Canada (1992-1993), Research Associate at the Institute of Physical Science and Technology, Univ. of Maryland, USA (1994-1995), Research Associate at the Institute for Astrophysics and Extraterrestrial Research, Univ. Bonn, Germany (1996-1997), Research Scientist and Docent, Institute of Theoretical Physics IV, Ruhr-Univ. Bochum (1998-present), more than 140 refereed publications, H-index 28, Reviewer for: Astron. Astrophys., Astrophys. J., Nature Astronomy, Solar Phys., Phys. Plasmas, Planet. Space Science, Astrophys. Space Science, J. Geophys. Res., etc.

Part I: Introduction and Motivation.- 1. Introduction and Motivation.- Part II: New and Refined Observational Evidences of Kappa Distributions in Space Plasmas.- 2. Suprathermal Populations and Their Effects in Space Plasmas: Kappa vs. Maxwellian.- 3. Electron Kappa Distributions in the Solar Wind: Cause of the Acceleration or Consequence of the Expansion?.- 4. Diagnostics of Kappa Distributions from Optically Thin Solar Spectra.- 5. Non-thermal and Kappa Distributions in Solar Flare Radiative Signatures.- Part III: Physics Behind and Significance of Kappa Distributions in Plasma Astrophysics.- 6. Kappa Distribution Function: From Empirical to Physical Concepts.- 7. Kinetic Models of Wave-Electron Interaction in the Solar Corona and Wind.- 8. On 'Isobaric and Isentropic' Distribution Functions of Plasma Particles in the Heliosheath.- 9. Advanced Numerical Tools for Studying Waves and Instabilities in Kappa Distributed Plasmas.- 10. Advanced Interpretation ofWaves andInstabilities in Space Plasmas.- Part IV: Fundamental Aspects, Generalized Kappa Distributions, and Their Implications.- 11. Mathematical and Physical Characteristics of the Kappa Velocity Distribution.- 12. Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics of Electron Kappa Distribution.- 13. Regularized Kappa Distributions: Linear Dispersion and Stability Theory.- 14. Kappa Distributions and Entropy.- 15. From Standard Kappa to a Regularized Kappa, or Even More Generalized Kappa "Cookbook".- Part V: Concluding Remarks and Future Perspectives.- 16. Kappa Distributions: Concluding Remarks and Perspectives.

"The sixteen chapters of the present edited volume aim to summarize and review research over the past ~20 years concerning the origin and physical consequences of these kappa distributions ... . Methodology centres on application of the Vlasov-Maxwell equation set in both linear and quasi-linear approximations, with which it was a pleasure for this reviewer to become reacquainted via these more recent applications through perusal of this clear and well-produced monograph." (Stanley W. H. Cowley, The Observatory, Vol. 142 (1291), December, 2022)

“The sixteen chapters of the present edited volume aim to summarize and review research over the past ~20 years concerning the origin and physical consequences of these kappa distributions … . Methodology centres on application of the Vlasov–Maxwell equation set in both linear and quasi-linear approximations, with which it was a pleasure for this reviewer to become reacquainted via these more recent applications through perusal of this clear and well-produced monograph.” (Stanley W. H. Cowley, The Observatory, Vol. 142 (1291), December, 2022)