An Introduction to Hot Laser Plasma Physics (Horizons in World Physics)

Contents: Hot Plasma and its Interaction with Laser Light -- basic concepts; Langmuir waves; ionic sound; electromagnetic plasma waves; elastic collisions of plasma particles; classical absorption of laser radiation; oblique incidence of electromagnetic waves; resonance absorption of electromagnetic waves. Laser Plasma Hydrodynamics -- hydrodynamic phenomena in a laser plasma; target heating and evaporation by laser radiation; optical vapour breakdown and target screening; heat transfer in a hot laser plasma; plasma pressure and acceleration of macro-particles; shock waves in a laser plasma. Non-Linear Optics of Laser Plasma -- non-linear wave interaction in plasma; SBS in a laser plasma; light self-focusing in a laser plasma. Laser Plasma Applications -- present state and prospects of laser plasma application; laser thermonuclear fusion; laser jet engine; laser-plasma laser.