The author of the most widely used plasma physics textbook in the world, Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, which has taught plasma physics to generations of fusion scientists.
ReviewedLast reviewed: 9 Aug 2026·Category: Scientists & Pioneers
Career
Francis F. Chen (born 1929) is a professor emeritus of electrical engineering at UCLA. He earned his Ph.D. from Harvard and worked at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory before joining UCLA in 1969.[1]
The Textbook
Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion (1st ed. 1974; 3rd ed. 2015) is the standard introductory text for plasma physics worldwide. Covering single-particle motion, fluid theory, waves, kinetic theory, and applications to fusion, it is used in nearly every university plasma physics course.
Chen’s textbook is notable for its clarity, physical intuition, and systematic progression from simple to complex concepts. It has been translated into multiple languages and cited thousands of times.[2]
Research Contributions
Chen’s research spans plasma waves, RF plasma sources, and industrial plasma applications. He made significant contributions to helicon plasma source physics, which has applications in semiconductor manufacturing and electric propulsion. He also contributed to early tokamak research at Princeton.[3]
Sources
Chen, F.F. Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion. 3rd ed., Springer, 2015.
Chen, F.F. "Helicon discharges and sources: a review." Plasma Sources Science and Technology, 24, 014001, 2015.
"Francis F. Chen." UCLA Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty profile.