Introduction to plasma physics : with space and laboratory applications /

Gurnett (Univ. of Iowa) and Bhattacharjee (Univ. of New Hampshire) have prepared a rather complete course resource on the physics of plasmas, very suitable as a teaching aid. Well produced, with essential references and advice for supplemental reading, the book is illustrated with line drawings and has a fairly complete index. A close reading would provide a very good resource for senior undergraduates and graduate students. The appropriate mathematical emphasis means that a few lectures on experimental work and results might be an important addition to provide balance. Some observations, mostly from space instruments, are described. As expected from these authors, plasma instability is quite extensively treated, and about 150 pages are devoted to waves in plasmas. Besides being a course resource, the book forms a useful reference for working plasma physicists and can be recommended to both types of user. Some problems are provided at the end of each chapter. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. K. W. Ogilvie NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center