The Vlasov equation is the master equation which provides a statistical description for the collective behavior of large numbers of charged particles in mutual, long-range interaction. In other words, a low collision (or “Vlasov”) plasma. Plasma physics is itself a relatively young discipline, whose “birth” can be ascribed to the 1920s. The origin of the Vlasov model, however, is even more recent, dating back to the late 1940s. This “young age” is due to the rare occurrence of Vlasov plasma on Earth, despite the fact it characterizes most of the visible matter in the universe. This book – addressed to students, young researchers and to whoever wants a good understanding of Vlasov plasmas – discusses this model with a pedagogical presentation, focusing on the general properties and historical development of the applications of the Vlasov equation. The milestone developments discussed in the first two chapters serve as an introduction to more recent works (characterization of wave propagation and nonlinear properties of the electrostatic limit).

Boltzmann and Vlasov equations played a great role in the past and still play an important role in modern natural sciences, technique and even philosophy of science. Classical Boltzmann equation derived in 1872 became a cornerstone for the molecular-kinetic theory, the second law of thermodynamics (increasing entropy) and derivation of the basic hydrodynamic equations. After modifications, the fields and numbers of its applications have increased to include diluted gas, radiation, neutral particles transportation, atmosphere optics and nuclear reactor modelling. Vlasov equation was obtained in 1938 and serves as a basis of plasma physics and describes large-scale processes and galaxies in astronomy, star wind theory.This book provides a comprehensive review of both equations and presents both classical and modern applications. In addition, it discusses several open problems of great importance. - Reviews the whole field from the beginning to today - Includes practical applications - Provides classical and modern (semi-analytical) solutions

In this second edition of Particle Accelerator Physics, Vol. 1, is mainly a reprint of the first edition without significant changes in content. The bibliography has been updated to include more recent progress in the field of particle accelerators. With the help of many observant readers a number of misprints and errors could be eliminated. The author would like to express his sincere appreciation to all those who have pointed out such shortcomings and wel comes such information and any other relevant information in the future. The author would also like to express his special thanks to the editor Dr. Helmut Lotsch and his staff for editorial as well as technical advice and support which contributed greatly to the broad acceptance of this text and made a second edition of both volumes necessary. Palo Alto, California Helmut Wiedemann November 1998 VII Preface to the First Edition The purpose of this textbook is to provide a comprehensive introduction into the physics of particle accelerators and particle beam dynamics. Parti cle accelerators have become important research tools in high energy physics as well as sources of incoherent and coherent radiation from the far infra red to hard x-rays for basic and applied research. During years of teaching accelerator physics it became clear that the single most annoying obstacle to get introduced into the field is the absence of a suitable textbook.

The field of high-power laser-plasma interaction has grown in the last few decades, with applications ranging from laser-driven fusion and laser acceleration of charged particles to laser ablation of materials. This comprehensive text covers fundamental concepts including electromagnetics and electrostatic waves, parameter instabilities, laser driven fusion,charged particle acceleration and gamma rays. Two important techniques of laser proton interactions including target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) and radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) are discussed in detail, along with their applications in the field of medicine. An analytical framework is developed for laser beat-wave and wakefield excitation of plasma waves and subsequent acceleration of electrons. The book covers parametric oscillator model and studies the coupling of laser light with collective modes.

Studies the basic equations of kinetic theory in all of space, and contains up-to-date, state-of-the-art treatments of initial-value problems for the major kinetic equations. This is the only existing book to treat Boltzmann-type problems and Vlasov-type problems together. Although describing very different phenomena, these equations share the same streaming term.

This textbook begins with a description of the Earth's plasma environment, followed by the derivation of single particle motions in electromagnetic fields, with applications to the Earth's magnetosphere. Also discussed are the origin and effects of collisions and conductivities, formation of the ionosphere, magnetospheric convection and dynamics, and solar wind-magnetosphere coupling.The second half of the book presents a more theoretical foundation of plasma physics, starting with kinetic theory. Introducing moments of distribution function permits the derivation of the fluid equations, followed by an analysis of fluid boundaries, with the Earth's magnetopause and bow shock as examples, and finally, fluid and kinetic theory are applied to derive the relevant wave modes in a plasma.This revised edition seamlessly integrates new sections on magnetopause reconstruction, as well as instability theory and thermal fluctuations based on new developments in space physics. Applications such as the important problems of collisionless reconnection and collisionless shocks are covered, and some problems have also been included at the end of each chapter.