Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion: (38 Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics)

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. It will also serve as a useful reference for scientists and engineers working in the related fields. In Part I, Plasma Physics, the author explains the basics of magneto-hydrodynamics and kinetic theory in a simple and compact way and, at the same time, covers important new topics for fusion studies such as the ballooning representation, instabilities driven by energetic particles, and various plasma models for computer simulations. Part II, Controlled Nuclear Fusion, attempts to review the "big picture" in fusion research. Mathematical derivations are comprehensively explained to better enable readers to later concentrate on the physics. All important phenomena and technologies are addressed, with a particular emphasis on the topics of most concern in current research.

Table of Contents:
Plasma Physics.- Nature of Plasma.- Plasma Characteristics.- Magnetic Configuration and Particle Orbit.- Velocity Space Distribution Function and Boltzmann’s Equation.- Plasma as MHD Fluid.- Equilibrium.- Plasma Transport.- Magnetohydrodynamic Instabilities.- Resistive Instabilities.- Plasma as Medium of Waves.- Landau Damping and Cyclotron Damping.- Hot Plasma.- Instabilities Driven by Energetic Particles.- Computer Simulation.- Controlled Nuclear Fusion.- Development of Fusion Research.- Tokamaks.- RFP Stellarator.- Inertial Confinement.

About the Author :
1955 B.S. Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo 1961 PhD, Graduate School, College of Arts and Science, University of Rochester 1963 Doctor of Engineering, University of Tokyo 1964 - 1979 Associate Professor and Professor, Institute of Plasma Physics, Nagoya University (former institute of present National Institute of Fusion Science) 1979 - 1992 Professor, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo 1992 - 2000 Professor, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Seikei University 1992 - Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo 1980 - 1988 member of Editorial Board of 'Nuclear Fusion' (Journal pubished by International Atomic Energy Agency) 1992 - 2002 Guest Scientist, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute 1999 - 2002 member of ITER Physics Expert Group: ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor)

Review :
From the reviews: "Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion presents theoretical background in plasma physics needed to understand the fundamentals of nuclear fusion. ... The book is based on lectures given by the author at the graduate level. ... The book provides a thorough overview of the physics of fusion plasmas. ... The book can definitely serve as a reference for scientists and engineers already working in nuclear fusion, who will find the book clear and easy to follow." (Eugenio Schuster, IEEE Control Systems Magazine, Vol. 27, April, 2007)