Radiative Processes in Astrophysics: This clear,
straightforward, and fundamental introduction is
designed to present–from a physicist′s point of
view–radiation processes and their applications to
astrophysical phenomena and space science. It covers
such topics as radiative transfer theory, relativistic
covariance and kinematics, bremsstrahlung radiation,
synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering, some plasma
effects, and radiative transitions in atoms. Discussion
begins with first principles, physically motivating and
deriving all results rather than merely presenting
finished formulae. However, a reasonably good physics
background (introductory quantum mechanics, intermediate
electromagnetic theory, special relativity, and some
statistical mechanics) is required. Much of this
prerequisite material is provided by brief reviews,
making the book a self–contained reference for workers
in the field as well as the ideal text for senior or
first–year graduate students of astronomy, astrophysics,
and related physics courses. Radiative Processes in
Astrophysics also contains about 75 problems, with
solutions, illustrating applications of the material and
methods for calculating results. This important and
integral section emphasizes physical intuition by
presenting important results that are used throughout
the main text; it is here that most of the practical
astrophysical applications become apparent.
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