Emerging Applications of Ions and Plasmas

This book discusses recent advances in the science and technology of charged particles and emerging frontiers in applications of ions and macroscopic charge-neutral plasmas. In particular, this includes: ion/plasma interactions with soft matters, especially, interrogating local bio cells, bio systems, liquids and gels; interactions with ambient environments; processes associated with fine-scale characterization of materials, materials modification, new material discovery, and above all, plasma chemistry. The book takes a broad view of the underlying problems with a distinct aim to engage young researchers and even advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students. The first few chapters discuss relevant broad science issues covering ions and plasmas as well as methodologies for their manipulations; in addition, mathematical and computational tools for analysis are highlighted through simple examples. This foundational background, in turn, develops a solid foundation for the chapters on numerous emerging application areas. A balance between science and engineering, along with relevant computational modeling, simulation, and exploitation of data, is maintained throughout. Prospective outlooks for the future are discussed. Overall, this book offers a lens for the reader to get acquainted with active and fruitful emerging application domains for future explorations.