Quantum Plasmadynamics

Quantum Plasmadynamics is a synthesis of the kinetic theory of plasmas and quantum electrodynamics (QED). In this volume, the approach applied to unmagnetized plasmas in volume 1 is generalized to magnetized plasmas. First, a covariant version of nonquantum kinetic theory is formulated for single-particle (emission and scattering)  processes and the collective-medium response. The relativistic quantum treatment is based on solutions of Dirac's equation for an electron in a magnetostatic field, and single-particle processes are treated using a magnetized version of QED. The response of an electron gas is derived by generalizing the derivation of the response of the magnetized vacuum.

From the reviews of Vol. 1 – Quantum Plasmadynamics: Unmagnetized Plasmas (Lect. Notes Phys. 735)

The ten chapters and 464 pages book […] gives the best introduction to the quantum electrodynamics and the kinetic theory of relativistic and non-relativistic charged particles. […] The   materials of the most important part of the book are supported by illustrations. […]useful for advanced graduate students, scientists and all who are interested in plasma physics and  confinement systems. (M. J. Canfell, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1158, 2009)

Following completion of his doctoral thesis in theoretical particle physics at Oxford University in 1965, Don Melrose changed his research interests to plasma astrophysics. In 1969, after post-doctoral appointments in the UK and the USA, he returned to Australia to the Australian National University. He eventually left to take his current appointment as Professor of Physics (Theoretical) at the University of Sydney in 1979. He made important contributions to the theory of coherent emission processes in astrophysics: plasma emission in solar radio bursts, electron cyclotron maser emission and pulsar radio emission. His current interests include pulsars, quantum plasmas and solar flares.