The Interaction of High-Power Lasers with Plasmas

This second edition of The Interaction of High-Power Lasers with Plasmas provides a thorough self-contained presentation of the physical processes occurring in the high-power laser-plasma interactions and the basic science of laser induced fusion energy. This book delivers a pedagogical presentation of where physics issues are addressed from first principles. It provides a foundation upon which graduate students can build an understanding of the research in this field, while for the established researchers in plasma physics and professionals working in industry this is a useful presentation of laser-plasma interactions and applications. Chapters analyse laser absorption and propagation, electron transport, and the relevant plasma waves in detail. They also discuss the physics of the electric and magnetic fields in a laser-induced plasma medium, laser-induced shock waves, rarefaction waves, heat waves, and the related hydrodynamic instabilities (Rayleigh–Taylor, Richtmyer–Meshkov, and Kelvin–Helmholtz). They also discuss the physics of the electric and magnetic fields in a laser-induced plasma medium, laser-induced shock waves, rarefaction waves, heat waves, and the related hydrodynamic instabilities (Rayleigh–Taylor, Richtmyer–Meshkov, and Kelvin–Helmholtz). Key Features:Thoroughly updated throughout, with three new chaptersNovel to second edition are descriptions of relativistic plasmas and the energy problem in inertial confinement fusion systemsIncludes a detailed review of the relevant plasma and laser physics