Introduction to Plasma Physics

Introduction to Plasma Physics presents the latest on plasma physics. Although plasmas are not very present in our immediate environment, there are still universal phenomena that we encounter, i.e., electric shocks and galactic jets. This book presents, in parallel, the basics of plasma theory and a number of applications to laboratory plasmas or natural plasmas. It provides a fresh look at concepts already addressed in other disciplines, such as pressure and temperature. In addition, the information provided helps us understand the links between fluid theories, such as MHD and the kinetic theory of these media, especially in wave propagation.

1. What is Plasma?
2. Individual Trajectories in an Electromagnetic Field
3. Kinetic Theory of Plasma
4. Plasma Fluid Modeling and MHD Limit
5. Waves in Plasmas in the Fluid Approximation
6. Kinetic Effects: Landau Dumping
7. Shockwaves and Discontinuities