Recent Progress in Plasma Science and Technology

Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter, along with the solid, liquid and gaseous states. It consists of a gas of ions, which are atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge. The presence of free charged particles makes plasma responsive to electromagnetic fields. This property of plasma is used in many modern technological devices, such as plasma televisions and plasma etching. Partially ionized plasmas, which contain a certain amount of neutral particles, is found in neon signs and lightning. Plasma is the third most abundant form of ordinary matter in the universe, behind dark matter and dark energy. It is found in stars; including the Sun. Plasma science is an upcoming field of science that has undergone rapid development over the past few decades. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of this field are examined in detail. Scientists and students actively engaged in this field will find this book full of crucial and unexplored concepts.