Presents the main mathematical methods of description and general problems in the theory of linear waves in dispersive systems and media, including equilibrium and nonequilibrium waves. To show how the general theory can be applied in practice, this book gives a unified description of the waves in important physical systems.

The manuscript tackles one of the most interesting branches of plasma phys ics, the electrodynamics of the plasma. 99% of matter in the universe occur in the plasma state, - e. g., stars, gaseous nebulae, interstellar gas. The plasma also widely occurs on earth. Thus, the ionosphere protects human beings from the destroying effects of the solar radiation and provides the long distance radio communication. Plasmas also show up in metals and semicon ductors, and it is difficult to overestimate their importance in our everyday life. But even more important is that the power engineering of the...