Quantum Statistics of Nonideal Plasmas

This book deals with the statistical theory of strongly coupled Coulomb systems. After an elementary introduction to the physics of nonideal plasmas, a presentation of the method of (nonequilibrium) Green's functions is given. On this basis, the dielectric, thermodynamic, transport, and relaxation properties are discussed systematically. Especially, the behavior of bound states in the surrounding plasma (lowering of the ionization energy), the ionization kinetics, and the equation of state of dense partially ionized hydrogen are each carefully investigated. Furthermore, generalized kinetic equations are derived which are also valid for short time scales. They are applied to ultra-fast processes and to plasmas in laser fields.

Résumé
During the last decade impressive development and signi?cant advance of the physics of nonideal plasmas in astrophysics and in laboratories can be observed, creating new possibilities for experimental research. The enormous progress in laser technology, but also ion beam techniques, has opened new ways for the production and diagnosis of plasmas under extreme conditions, relevant for astrophysics and inertially con?ned fusion, and for the study of laser-matter interaction. In shock wave experiments, the equation of state and further properties of highly compressed plasmas can be investigated. This experimental progress has stimulated the further development of the statistical theory of nonideal plasmas. Many new results for thermodynamic and transport properties, for ionization kinetics, dielectric behavior, for the stopping power, laser-matter interaction, and relaxation processes have been achieved in the last decade. In addition to the powerful methods of quantum statistics and the theory of liquids, numerical simulations like path integral Monte Carlo methods and molecular dynamic simulations have been applied.

Contenu
to the Physics of Nonideal Plasmas.- Quantum Statistical Theory of Charged Particle Systems.- Systems with Coulomb Interaction.- Bound and Scattering States in Plasmas. Binary Collision Approximation.- Thermodynamics of Nonideal Plasmas.- Nonequilibrium Nonideal Plasmas.- Transport and Relaxation Processes in Nonideal Plasmas.- Dense Plasmas in External Fields.