Física e Tecnologia dos Plasmas

Objectives

This introductory plasma physics course will cover fundamental concepts, including plasma formation mechanisms, transport, and wave propagation. After the course, students will be able to bridge between course materials and state-of-the-art research over a wide range of fields, including nuclear fusion and astrophysics. This course provides core concepts that may be further expanded in advanced plasma physics courses in the areas of low- temperature plasmas, fusion plasmas and space plasmas.

Syllabus

1- Fundamental concepts in plasma physics; role of plasma physics in science and society. 2- Plasmas viewed through single particle motions and drifts. 3- Collective processes and wave dynamics of the plasma as a fluid. 4- Difusion and transport in weakly and fully ionised plasmas and MHD equations. 5- Kinetic description of plasmas and introduction to wave-particle interactions.

Prerequisites

Electromagnetism

Cross Competence Component

Critical and innovative thinking will be promoted through numerical simulation examples, through in depth analysis of physical scenarios relevant for state- of-the-art research and through flash and scientific project or paper presentations.

Programming And Computing Component

Numerical simulations with open-source numerical tools (e.g. ZPIC; https://github.com/ricardo-fonseca/zpic) that can be used to explore plasma physics beyond the traditional pen and paper textbook approach.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.