Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy

There has been an increase in worldwide interest in fusion research over the last decade due to the recognition that a large number of new, environmentally attractive, sustainable energy sources will be needed to meet the ever increasing demand for electrical energy. This book, based on a series of course notes from graduate courses in plasma physics and fusion energy at MIT, begins with an overview of world energy needs, current methods of energy generation, and the potential role that fusion may play in the future. It covers energy issues such as fusion power production, power balance, the design of a simple fusion reactor and the basic plasma physics issues facing the development of fusion power. This book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in applied physics and nuclear engineering. A large number of problems accumulated over two decades of teaching are included to aid understanding.