In this volume a thorough review is given of waves in dusty plasmas, a fascinating new domain combining plasmas and charged dust, two omnipresent ingredients of the Universe. Spokes and braids observed in the rings of Saturn cannot be explained by gravitation alone, but need the presence of charged dust. Other examples abound, as in zodiacal light, noctilucent clouds, comets and molecular clouds. After discussing charging mechanisms, supported by exciting new experiments, and space observations, the book describes extensions of known plasma modes covering the low frequencies typical for charged dust. Mixing detailed theoretical steps with summaries of expert contributions, a systematic multi-species treatment puts the literature in perspective, suitable also for newcomers. Typical complications like fluctuating dust charges, self-gravitational effects, and size distributions are dealt with, before ending with an outlook to future work and open questions. In this way, experts as well as interested newcomers will find a reliable guide, not just a compendium.

The diverse and often surprising new facts about planetary rings and comet environments that were reported by the interplanetary missions oflate 1970s - 1980s stimulated investigations of the so-called dusty plasma. The number of scientific papers on the subject that have been published since is quite impressive. Recently, a few surveys and special journal issues have appeared. Time has come to integrate some of the knowledge in a book. Apparently, this is the first monograph on dusty and self-gravitational plasmas. While the circle of pertinent problems is rather clearly defined, not all of them are equally represented here. The authors have concentrated on cooperative phenomena (Le. waves and instabilities) in the dusty plasma and the effects of self-gravitation. At the same time, in an attempt to present the vast material consistently, we have included such topics as electrostatics of the dusty plasma and gravitoelectrodynamics of individual charged particles. Also mentioned are astrophysical implications, mostly concerning planetary rings. We hope that the book shall be of interest and value both to specialists and those (astro )physicists who have just discovered this area of plasma physics. We are thankful to many scientists actively working in the field of dusty plasma physics who have generously let us become acquainted with their results, sometimes prior to publication of their own papers: U. de Angelis, N. D'Angelo, o. Havnes, A. Mendis, M. Rosenberg, P. Shukla, F. Verheest, and E. Wollman.

The diverse and often surprising new facts about planetary rings and comet environments that were reported by the interplanetary missions oflate 1970s - 1980s stimulated investigations of the so-called dusty plasma. The number of scientific papers on the subject that have been published since is quite impressive. Recently, a few surveys and special journal issues have appeared. Time has come to integrate some of the knowledge in a book. Apparently, this is the first monograph on dusty and self-gravitational plasmas. While the circle of pertinent problems is rather clearly defined, not all of them are equally represented here. The authors have concentrated on cooperative phenomena (Le. waves and instabilities) in the dusty plasma and the effects of self-gravitation. At the same time, in an attempt to present the vast material consistently, we have included such topics as electrostatics of the dusty plasma and gravitoelectrodynamics of individual charged particles. Also mentioned are astrophysical implications, mostly concerning planetary rings. We hope that the book shall be of interest and value both to specialists and those (astro )physicists who have just discovered this area of plasma physics. We are thankful to many scientists actively working in the field of dusty plasma physics who have generously let us become acquainted with their results, sometimes prior to publication of their own papers: U. de Angelis, N. D'Angelo, o. Havnes, A. Mendis, M. Rosenberg, P. Shukla, F. Verheest, and E. Wollman.

Introduction to Dusty Plasma Physics contains a detailed description of the occurrence of dusty plasmas in our Solar System, the Earth's mesosphere, and in laboratory discharges. The book illustrates numerous mechanisms for charging dust particles and provides studies of the grain dynamics under the influence of forces that are common in dusty plas

Dusty or complex plasmas are plasmas containing solid or liquid charged particles referred to as dust. Naturally occurring in space, they are present in planetary rings and comet tails, as well as clouds found in the vicinity of artificial satellites and space stations. On a more earthly level, dusty plasmas are now being actively researched as dust plays a key role in technological plasma applications associated with etching technologies in microelectronics, as well as with production of thin films and nanoparticles. Complex and Dusty Plasmas: From Laboratory to Space provides a balanced and consistent picture of the current status of the field by covering new developments in experimental and theoretical research. Drawing from research performed across the earth and even beyond by an internationally diverse group of pioneering researchers, this book covers a wealth of topics. It delves into -- Major types of complex plasmas in ground-based and microgravity experiments Properties of the magnetized, thermal, cryogenic, ultraviolet, nuclear-induced complex plasmas and plasmas with nonspherical particles Major forces acting on the particles and features of the particle dynamics in complex plasmas, as well as basic plasma-particle interactions, Recent research results on phase transitions between crystalline and liquid complex plasma states Astrophysical aspects of dusty plasmas and numerical simulation of their properties Dust as a source of contamination in many applications including reactors An important feature of this work is the detailed discussion of unique experimental and theoretical aspects of complex plasmas related to the investigations under microgravity conditions performed onboard Mir and ISS space stations. Much of what we know today would not be possible without cooperation between researchers of various nations, many of whom serve as key contributors to this book. Whether deepening their knowledge of things interstellar or developing new applications and products for use in manufacturing, energy, and communication or even fields yet dreamt of, these pages provide the knowledge, approaches, and insight that all researchers of complex plasmas need.

I have been asked by Professor Kikuchi to write a foreword for this interesting book on Dusty Plasmas and other electrical phenomena. This was a somewhat daunting task due to the wide range of topics covered. In what follows I have attempted to summarize most of these topics; for this purpose I have divided them into four groups, namely (a) Dusty Plasmas, (b) The Electrical Environment, (c) Lightning and (d) The Noise Environment. I hope that I have succeeded. in indicating that each section contains much that is of great interest. It is perhaps unnecessary for me to point out that the book contains subjects which are at an exciting and important stage in their development. (a) Dusty Plasmas The subject of dusty plasmas is one of great interest. Dust particles in interplanetary space, within comets, in inter-stellar space and at ever greater distances will in general be charged. The plasma environment will ensure this, bombarding electrons will charge up the particle until it assumes a "floating potential," although time variation can occur. Ultra violet radiation can cause photoemission and in certain cases field emission is a possibility. The motion of the particles will be determined by electric and magnetic fields together with gravity. If the density of charged grains becomes sufficiently high the grains will interact with each other and collective behaviour will ensue. This newly evolving subject entails the study of all kinds of plasma waves.