The theory of atom-molecule collisions is one of the basic fields in chemi cal physics. Its most challenging part - the dynamics of chemical reactions - is as yet unresolved, but is developing very quickly. It is here a great help to have an analysis of those parts of collision theory which are already complete, a good example being the theory of atomic collisions in process es specific to chemical physics. It has long been observed that many notions of this theory can also be applied successfully to reactive and unreactive molecular collisions. More over, atomic collisions often represent a touchstone in testing approaches proposed for the solution of more complicated problems. Research on the theory of slow atomic collisions carried out at the Moscow Institute of Chemical Physics has been based on just these ideas. A general viewpoint concerning the setting up and representation of the theory came out of these studies, and appeared to be useful in studying complicated systems as well. It underlies the representation of the theory of slow atomic colli sions in this book.

Plasmas comprise more than 99% of the observable universe. They are important in many technologies and are key potential sources for fusion power. Atomic and radiation physics is critical for the diagnosis, observation and simulation of astrophysical and laboratory plasmas, and plasma physicists working in a range of areas from astrophysics, magnetic fusion, and inertial fusion utilise atomic and radiation physics to interpret measurements. This text develops the physics of emission, absorption and interaction of light in astrophysics and in laboratory plasmas from first principles using the physics of various fields of study including quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and statistical physics. Linking undergraduate level atomic and radiation physics with the advanced material required for postgraduate study and research, this text adopts a highly pedagogical approach and includes numerous exercises within each chapter for students to reinforce their understanding of the key concepts.

Applied Atomic Collision Physics, Volume 2: Plasmas covers topics on magnetically confined plasmas. The book starts by providing the history of fusion research and describing the various approaches in both magnetically and inertially confined plasmas. The text then gives a general discussion of the basic concepts and properties in confinement and heating of a plasma. The theory of atomic collisions that result in excited quantum states, particularly highly ionized impurity atoms; and diverse diagnostic topics such as emission spectra, laser scattering, electron cyclotron emission, particle beams, and bremsstrahlung are also considered. The book further tackles heating of plasma by energetic particles; the boundary or edge plasma and particle-surface interactions; and the role of atomic physics in hot dense plasmas. Physicists and people involved in plasma and fusion energy studies will find the book invaluable.

This book is based on contributions to the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Recombination of Atomic Ions. This was held at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, between 6 and 9 October 1991 and attracted 35 participants from 5 countries. The book is inter.~ed to serve as an in-depth review of work to this date on the subject of recombination of atomic ions both in collision with free electrons and with atoms. It contains contributions from almost all groups which have made significant contributions in this area during the last decade. In addition, a synopsis of the discussion session following each of the main subject areas is presented. The material is organized into several themes; an overview of the subject area, theoretical aspects of recombination, experimental measurements of electron-ion recombination and experimental measurement.s of recombination in ion-atom collisions. We would like to acknowledge the sponsorship of the NATO Scientific Affairs Division. We would like to thank the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Queen's University of Belfast for providing some additional funding. Finally we would like to thank all the contributors to these proceedings for their efforts in preparing the manuscripts and their assistance in the editing process.