This book introduces the theory behind the incoherent scattering of electromagnetic waves (radar waves) by free electrons-a key technique for studying critical parameters of the Earth's ionosphere. Starting with scattering by statistically independent electrons, including magnetized cases, the book progressively develops a comprehensive model. This framework is extended to include 'dressed particles', accounting for long-range Coulomb interactions between charged particles. A consistent approach to incorporating particle collisions is presented, with an example of charge exchange interactions for illustration. Appendices provide essential background material, ensuring the content is accessible to readers.

Based on lectures delivered at the University of Tromsø, Norway, this book is designed for Masters and PhD students. It assumes a basic understanding of electromagnetism and plasma physics, including plasma waves and electrostatic phenomena. Familiarity with kinetic plasma theory and the collisionless Vlasov equation is beneficial but not mandatory.

Autorentext

Hans László Pécseli served as a full professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Oslo, Norway, from October 1991 to June 2017. Since July 2017, he has been a Professor Emeritus. He also held an adjunct professorship in plasma physics at the University of Tromsø, Norway, until 2024.

In recognition of his groundbreaking work in plasma turbulence, Hans Pécseli and O. Kofoed-Hansen received the Danish Physical Society's annual physics prize in 1989, sponsored by Nordisk Kabel og Tråd (NKT). He was elected a fellow of the American Physical Society in 1994, a member of the Norwegian Academy of Sciences in 1995, and a member of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters in 1998.

An accomplished researcher, Hans Pécseli has authored or co-authored over 230 peer-reviewed scientific papers and contributed to three monographs on physics. His expertise spans theoretical and experimental plasma physics, space plasma physics, fluid turbulence, and data analysis, with applications extending to marine biology.

Throughout his distinguished academic career, Hans Pécseli has taught a wide range of courses, including optics, electromagnetism, waves and fluctuations, quantum mechanics, and both introductory and advanced plasma physics.