FYSS6360 Plasma Physics (5 cr)

Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024

Description

  • definition of plasma and plasma conditions

  • magnetic confinement and plasma drifts; collisions in plasmas

  • particle distributions and reaction rates in low temperature plasmas

  • basics of magnetohydrodynamics

  • plasma waves, electromagnetic waves in plasmas

  • formation and typical diagnostics of laboratory plasmas 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to

  • explain the meaning of plasma conditions and use single particle approach to characterize plasma confinement and drifts

  • list collision processes and calculate corresponding rate coefficients as well as explain the role of distribution functions in the description of plasma processes

  • distinguish the benefits and limitations of kinetic and magnetohydrodynamic plasma descriptions

  • classify plasma waves and describe the interactions mechanisms of electromagnetic radiation and plasmas

  • explain the formation of laboratory plasmas and describe methods to sustain them as well as analyze signals of typical plasma diagnostics methods 

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSA2010 Electromagnetism

  • fundamentals of atom and molecular physics, quantization of electron energy states, ionization, excitation and discharge of electron energy states.  

Study materials

Luentomuistiinpanot/kurssimateriaali 

Literature

  • R.J. Goldston and P.H. Rutherford, Introduction to plasma physics, ISBN: 0 7503 0325 5 (tai uudempi)

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Given every other year starting 2021.
Evaluation criteria:
To pass the course at least half of the course points (60) is required. Exercises (30 p.) and experimental assignments (3) and reports based on the assignments (altogether 30 p.).
Time of teaching:
Period 3
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching (5 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
To pass the course at least half of the course points (60) is required. Exercises (30 p.) and experimental assignments (3) and reports based on the assignments (altogether 30 p.).
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

Lectures, exercises, experimental assignments and reports based on the assignments. 

Teaching