Boris M. Smirnov Books

Intended for advanced students of physics, chemistry and related disciplines, this text treats the quantum theory of atoms and ions within the framework of self-consistent fields. Data needed for the analysis of collisions and other atomic processes are also included.

The book provides a comprehensive and educational exploration of gas discharge plasmas, focusing on their ionization processes influenced by external electric fields. It delves into the fundamental properties and behaviors of these plasmas, emphasizing the impact of gas components and discharge regimes. Key topics include elementary, radiative, and transport processes, along with a detailed examination of stationary plasmas, specifically helium and argon, supported by theoretical analysis and numerical parameters tailored to specific conditions.

Focusing on the intricate role of water in atmospheric phenomena, the book explores the physical processes of water molecules and microparticles. It details key topics such as water circulation, atmospheric electricity, and the greenhouse effect, starting with the water cycle and the dynamics of microdroplets. The discussion extends to molecular spectroscopy, highlighting how water contributes significantly to infrared atmospheric emissions. With illustrative schematics and helpful appendices, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers and doctoral students in atmospheric physics and climate science.

Each scientist works with certain information and collects it in the course of prof- sional activity. In the same manner, the author collected data for atomic physics and atomic processes. This information was checked in the course of the author’s p- fessional activity and was published in the form of appendices to the corresponding books on atomic and plasma physics. Now it has been decided to publish these data separately. This book contains atomic data and useful information about atomic particles and atomic systems including molecules, nanoclusters, metals and condensed s- tems of elements. It also gives information about atomic processes and transport processes in gases and plasmas. In addition, the book deals with general concepts and simple models for these objects and processes. We give units and conversion factors for them as well as conversion factors for spread formulas of general physics and the physics of atoms, clusters and ionized gases since such formulas are used in professional practice by each scientist of this area.

Focusing on global atmospheric processes, this book analyzes current and historical observational data to explore the Earth's energetic balance and atmospheric evolution. It emphasizes the intricate equilibrium between the atmosphere, carbon, and water, offering a clear physical picture of energetic phenomena. Key findings include the significant role of atmospheric moisture in global warming, highlighting its greater impact compared to carbon dioxide levels. The book also traces the origins of greenhouse instability back to the Eocene epoch, challenging conventional climate perspectives.

This book discusses clusters, small particles in gaseous systems, defined by their size and scientific context. It highlights the significance of magic numbers, which indicate enhanced stability in clusters. Unlike small particles, clusters exhibit local extrema in their properties at these magic numbers, affecting their binding energy and ionization potential.

This book explores fundamental processes in the Earth’s atmosphere involving photons, electrons, ions, radicals, and aerosols, utilizing global atmospheric models like the standard atmospheric model. It analyzes rate constants of atmospheric processes alongside measured parameters and existing concepts to understand both global and local phenomena. Atmospheric photoprocesses arise from solar radiation interacting with the atmosphere and involve ions, oxygen atoms, excited particles, and ozone molecules. Atmospheric electricity, a byproduct of water circulation, triggers a series of events starting with collisions of water aerosols in various states. Cosmic rays play a crucial role in atmospheric electricity by generating positive and negative ions, which can lead to air breakdown in electric fields, resulting in lightning through cosmic ray-generated seed electrons that facilitate electron multiplication. The ionosphere, formed under solar radiation in the vacuum ultraviolet spectrum, experiences photoionization due to this radiation. The greenhouse effect is primarily influenced by atmospheric water, with transitions between water vapor and aerosols affecting optical depth, while carbon dioxide has a minor contribution. Cosmic rays also influence atmospheric discharge, lightning, and the initial stages of aerosol growth. The book offers a qualitative overview of atmospheric properties and phenomena grounded in elementary proc

Various nanoclusters and microparticles are examined in excited and ionized gases, focusing on processes involving them. Concepts developed 50-100 years ago for dense media are applied to analyze these processes in gases under two regimes: the kinetic regime, where surrounding atoms of a buffer gas do not participate in interactions with small particles, and the diffusion regime, where the interaction is governed by hydrodynamic laws. To estimate the rates of these processes, we utilize the liquid drop model for small particles, introduced by N. Bohr for atomic nuclei analysis, and the hard sphere model used by J. C. Maxwell, which contributed to the kinetic theory of gases. These models, along with an assessment of their accuracy, facilitate the study of various processes, including transport in gases with small particles, charging, chemical reactions, atom attachment, and quenching of excited atomic particles on small particle surfaces. Additionally, nucleation processes such as coagulation, coalescence, and the growth of fractal aggregates, chain aggregates, fractal fibers, and aerogels are analyzed. Each analysis concludes with analytic formulas or simple models to calculate or estimate the rate of specific processes, along with criteria for the validity of the derived expressions. Real objects and processes involving small particles are also explored.

* An important feature of the book is that it is "accessible". That is, one can enter the book at any point without the necessity for substantial preparatory reading of earlier parts. * Can be used as a textbook because of its didactic clarity.

This reference on cluster physics in materials science draws upon the author's unrivalled experience in plasma science. He covers in detail electromagnetic effects, cluster motion and growth, as well as aerosols, providing the knowledge instrumental for an understanding of nanostructure formation. Around 400 case studies enable readers to directly relate the methods to their own individual tasks or projects.