Laser Interaction and Related Plasma Phenomena. Volume 2. Edited by H. J. Schwartz and H. Hora. Plenum Press, 1972. 583 pp. $27.50.

Abstract

This volume reproduces the papers presented at the second workshop on laser interaction and related plasma phenomena, held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute between 30 August and 3 September 1971, together with a brief summary of the discussions following each session. A wide range of topics is represented, including high-power lasers, gas breakdown, plasma heating mechanisms, interactions with magnetic fields, dynamics of laser plasmas and last, but certainly not least, progress reports on the laser fusion programs from Russian, French, German and Japanese groups. Unfortunately, the workshop pre-dated the release of information on the laser fusion programs at the AEC labs. No doubt many of the specific results reported here will have since been published elsewhere, while the review articles will not reflect the current state of the art in this rapidly developing field. Nevertheless, the devotee of laser-plasma interaction will probably find much to interest him here.