In this paper we revisit the paradigm of space science turbulent dissipation traditionally considered as myth (Coroniti, Space Sci. Rev., vol. 42, 1985, pp. 399–410). We demonstrate that due to approach introduced by Pitaevskii (Sov. J. Expl Theor. Phys., vol. 44, 1963, pp. 969–979; (in Russian)) (the effect of a finite Larmor radius on a classical collision integral) dissipation induced by effective interaction with microturbulence produces a significant effect on plasma dynamics, especially in the vicinity of the reconnection region. We estimate the multiplication factor of collision frequency in the collision integral for short wavelength perturbations. For waves propagating transverse to the background magnetic field, this factor is approximately $({\it\rho}_{e}k_{x})^{2}$ with ${\it\rho}_{e}$ an electron gyroradius and where $k_{x}$ is a transverse wavenumber. We consider recent spacecraft observations in the Earth’s magnetotail reconnection region to the estimate possible impact of this multiplication factor. For small-scale reconnection regions this factor can significantly increase the effective collision frequency produced both by lower-hybrid drift turbulence and by kinetic Alfvén waves. We discuss the possibility that the Pitaevskii’s effect may be responsible for the excitation of a resistive electron tearing mode in thin current sheets formed in the outflow region of the primary X-line.

We report on the experimental demonstration of a technique to generate steep density gradients in gas-jet targets of interest to laser–plasma ion acceleration. By using an intentional low-energy prepulse, we generated a hydrodynamic blast wave in the gas to shape the target prior to the arrival of an intense CO $_{2}$ ( ${\it\lambda}\approx 10~{\rm\mu}\text{m}$ ) drive pulse. This technique has been recently shown to facilitate the generation of ion beams by shockwave acceleration (Tresca et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 115 (9), 2015, 094802). Here, we discuss and introduce a model to understand the generation of these blast waves and discuss in depth the experimental realisation of the technique, supported by hydrodynamics simulations. With appropriate prepulse energy and timing, this blast wave can generate steepened density gradients as short as $l\approx 20~{\rm\mu}\text{m}$ ( $1/e$ ), opening up new possibilities for laser–plasma studies with near-critical gaseous targets.

The fundamentals of stereoscopy and their application to dusty plasmas are described. It is shown that stereoscopic methods allow us to measure the three-dimensional particle positions and trajectories with high spatial and temporal resolution. The underlying technical implications are presented and requirements and limitations are discussed. The stereoscopic method is demonstrated for dust particles in dust-density waves under microgravity conditions.

V. D. Shafranov was a key person in the fusion program. The paper presents the recollections of one of his close colleagues about Shafranov’s impact on the early days of tokamak research.

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the influential review/monograph on plasma turbulence by B. B. Kadomtsev as well as the seminal works of T. H. Dupree and J. Weinstock on resonance-broadening theory, an introductory tutorial is given about some highlights of the statistical–dynamical description of turbulent plasmas and fluids, including the ideas of nonlinear incoherent noise, coherent damping, and self-consistent dielectric response. The statistical closure problem is introduced. Incoherent noise and coherent damping are illustrated with a solvable model of passive advection. Self-consistency introduces turbulent polarization effects that are described by the dielectric function ${\mathcal{D}}$ . Dupree’s method of using ${\mathcal{D}}$ to estimate the saturation level of turbulence is described; then it is explained why a more complete theory that includes nonlinear noise is required. The general theory is best formulated in terms of Dyson equations for the covariance $C$ and an infinitesimal response function $R$ , which subsumes ${\mathcal{D}}$ . An important example is the direct-interaction approximation (DIA). It is shown how to use Novikov’s theorem to develop an $\boldsymbol{x}$ -space approach to the DIA that is complementary to the original $\boldsymbol{k}$ -space approach of Kraichnan. A dielectric function is defined for arbitrary quadratically nonlinear systems, including the Navier–Stokes equation, and an algorithm for determining the form of ${\mathcal{D}}$ in the DIA is sketched. The independent insights of Kadomtsev and Kraichnan about the problem of the DIA with random Galilean invariance are described. The mixing-length formula for drift-wave saturation is discussed in the context of closures that include nonlinear noise (shielded by ${\mathcal{D}}$ ). The role of $R$ in the calculation of the symmetry-breaking (zonostrophic) instability of homogeneous turbulence to the generation of inhomogeneous mean flows is addressed. The second-order cumulant expansion and the stochastic structural stability theory are also discussed in that context. Various historical research threads are mentioned and representative entry points to the literature are given. Some outstanding conceptual issues are enumerated.