Non-Linear Effects in Plasmas

Abstract

Plasma physics is nowadays a fast-developing field. This is to a large extent due to its importance in the search for terrestrial thermonuclear energy-sources. Of course, it is also a subject which is of interest both in its own merit and because of its applications to such more academic fields as astrophysics. All these aspects are well represented at this symposium. The programme before us promises a rich feast. The first day we shall hear about experimental results, a useful reminder to all theorists present that physics is an empirical science and that we should be sure never to stray too far from our experimental base. The remainder of the programme looks like having mainly a theoretical bias. No doubt some of the theoretical talks will be dealing with possible explanations of experiments, but I suspect that many of us will indulge in unbridled theorizing. As a theorist with a great interest in astrophysics I have also noted a few talks about astrophysical applications.