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