This thesis makes two important contributions to plasma physics. The first is the extension of the seminal theoretical works of Spitzer and Braginskii, which describe the basics of particle interactions in plasma, to relativistic systems. Relativistic plasmas have long been studied in high-energy astrophysics and are becoming increasingly attainable in the laboratory. The second is the design of a new class of photon–photon collider, which is the first capable of detecting the Breit–Wheeler process. Though it offers the simplest way for light to be converted into matter, the process has never been detected in the 80 years since its theoretical prediction. The experimental scheme proposed here exploits the radiation used in inertial confinement fusion experiments and could in principle be implemented in one of several current-generation facilities.
Les mer
This thesis makes two important contributions to plasma physics. The first is the extension of the seminal theoretical works of Spitzer and Braginskii, which describe the basics of particle interactions in plasma, to relativistic systems.
Les mer
Introduction.- Theoretical Background .- Dynamical Friction in a Relativistic Plasma.- Transport Processes in a Relativistic Plasma.- Numerical Simulations of High Temperature Plasmas.- An Experiment to Observe the Breit-Wheeler Process.- Conclusions.
Les mer
This thesis makes two important contributions to plasma physics. The first is the extension of the seminal theoretical works of Spitzer and Braginskii, which describe the basics of particle interactions in plasma, to relativistic systems. Relativistic plasmas have long been studied in high-energy astrophysics and are becoming increasingly attainable in the laboratory. The second is the design of a new class of photon–photon collider, which is the first capable of detecting the Breit–Wheeler process. Though it offers the simplest way for light to be converted into matter, the process has never been detected in the 80 years since its theoretical prediction. The experimental scheme proposed here exploits the radiation used in inertial confinement fusion experiments and could in principle be implemented in one of several current-generation facilities.
Les mer
Nominated as an outstanding PhD thesis by Imperial College London An important contribution to plasma physics, both theoretically and in relation to collider design Suggests a feasible scheme for observing the elusive Breit-Wheeler process Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
Les mer
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9783319875583
Publisert
2018-08-11
Utgiver
Vendor
Springer International Publishing AG
Høyde
235 mm
Bredde
155 mm
Aldersnivå
Research, P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Forfatter