Course detail

Plasma Physics and Diagnostics

FEKT-MPA-FPLAcad. year: 2025/2026

This course is an introduction to plasma science. The following topics are presented during a semester:
Plasma state properties. Introduction to kinetic theory of gases. Motion of charged particles in electric and/or magnetic fields. Gas discharges. Electric arc plasma. Plasma radiation and introduction to the plasma diagnostics. Ther,odynamic and transport properties of plasmas. Low temperature plasmas. Introduction to the nuclear fusion. Plasma technology.   

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

The subject knowledge on the Bachelor´s degree level is requested.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

- written test, up to 20 pts;
- numerical and laboratory projects, up to 40 pts;
- final written test, up to 40 pts
The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.

Aims

- to obtain an overall view of the plasma science of materials and applications to engineering;
- to develop problem solving skills in plasma technologies;
- to become aware of the role of plasma physics in industrial sphere;
- to recognize basic methods of plasma diagnostics in quenching chambers of switchgear, plasma torches and other plasma devices.


Graduates in the subject are able to:
- recognize characteristics of the plasma state and illustrate its properties;
- give examples of the plasma state either in nature or in industrial practice;
- demonstrate skills in a mathematical modeling of a plasma;
- use mathematical formulas for description of basic plasma processes;
- define kinetic processes in a plasma state;
- describe transport and thermodynamic properties in a plasma;
- describe collision processes in a plasma;
- analyse motion of charged particles in both electric and magnetic fields;
- characterize various gas discharges;
- describe DC and AC arc plasmas;
- recognize basic plasma diagnostic methods;
- explain principles of nuclear fusion as a source of energy.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

M. I. Boulous, P. Fauchais, E. Pfender: Thermal Plasmas - Fundamentals and Applications, Plenum Press, New York, 1994. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-BIO Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPA-EAK Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPA-EEN Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPAD-BIO Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Introduction to plasma physic, history, basic parameters.
2. Plasma technology - introduction.
3. Charged particles motion.
4. Introduction to kinetic theory of gases.
5. Classification of gas discharges.
6. Electric arc, switching arc.
7. Plasma diagnostics.
8. Thermodynamic and transport properties of plasmas
9. Non-thermal plasmas.
10. Introduction to plasma technologies
11. Plasma radiation
12. Controlled thermonuclear fusion.
13. Summary, final test. 

Fundamentals seminar

20 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Introductory meeting, organization and safety rules
2. Plasma definition
3. Plasma frequency
4. Collision frequency
5. Debye lenght
6. Particle motion in E and/or B fields
7. Introduction to distribution function in plasmas
8. Continuity equation
9. Plasma radiation
10. Final exercise, evaluation, credits 

Laboratory exercise

6 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Electrical characteristics of diaphragm discharge in water solutions
2. Study of ozone generation
3. Study of capacity-coupled RF discharge (CEITEC Nano)