What is a good plasma physics textbook?

[PICsmith]

I need a text for plasma physics (undergrad level) for two reasons:
1) I'm taking the course next semester and the professor doesn't use a textbook, but I learn best from books so I'm buying one anyway.
2) I need a good plasma text to learn/refer from for my job this summer.

I was hoping there existed some distinguished book that stands as the standard for plasma books and that hopefully someone here could tell me what that is. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[berkeman]

I took a very fun plasma physics class many years ago from Chip Smith (then with PG&E and LLNL here in Northern California). He used a number of different sources of notes for the class, and one of them was a book by Chen on Plasma Physics:



You might also get some value by spending some time reading at the NERSCC website, especially the Annual Reports of recent progress in plasma physics as it applies to energy research:

http://www.nersc.gov/news/annual_reports/

Hope those links help. -Mike-

 

[hhegab]

A good plasma physics textbook should cover the fundamental principles and concepts of plasma physics, while also providing practical applications and examples. It should be well-organized, with clear explanations and diagrams to aid in understanding. Additionally, it should have a good balance between theoretical and experimental aspects, as well as include relevant mathematical derivations.

Some highly recommended textbooks for undergraduate level plasma physics are "Introduction to Plasma Physics" by Francis F. Chen, "Principles of Plasma Physics for Engineers and Scientists" by Umran S. Inan and Marek Golkowski, and "Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy" by Alexander Piel. These books have been widely used in undergraduate courses and are known for their comprehensive coverage and clarity.

Other factors to consider when choosing a plasma physics textbook are the author's expertise and experience in the field, the edition and publication date, and any additional resources such as online tutorials or problem sets.

Ultimately, the best textbook for you will depend on your specific learning style and needs. It may be helpful to browse through a few different options and read reviews before making a decision. Good luck in your search and in your upcoming course and job!