Radiative Processes in AstrophysicsRadiative 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. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
absorption coefficient angular momentum approximation assume atomic average band head blackbody bremsstrahlung components configuration constant cross section defined density dipole direction distribution Doppler effect Einstein electric field electrons emission emitted energy levels equation equilibrium factor Figure flux formula four-vector four-velocity frequency given gives ħ² hydrogen integral intensity inverse Compton ionization ionization potential isotropic Lorentz Lorentz transformation magnetic field mass matrix element Maxwell's equations medium molecule nonrelativistic normal Note nuclei observed obtain optical depth optically thick orbital oscillator strength parameters parity particle photon plane polarization potential Problem pure rotation quantum number radiation field radiative relation relativistic rest frame result scattering selection rules simply solid angle spectra spectrum spin synchrotron temperature tensor thermal tion transformation transition unit volume values vector velocity vibrational wave function ΦΩ