Adiabatic charged‐particle motion

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Abstract
The adiabatic theory of charged‐particle motion is developed systematically in this review. We present the essentials of the theory without giving all the analysis in detail. The general expressions for guiding‐center motion and particle energy change are given, with application to the Van Allen radiation and to Fermi acceleration. It is shown that Fermi acceleration and betatron acceleration should not be regarded as distinct processes. Modifications of the nonrelativistic theory that are necessary when the particle is relativistic are discussed. Proofs are given of the invariance to lowest order of the first and second adiabatic invariants for the case of static fields. Finally, applications are made to the theory of plasmas.

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