Plasma Physics 1

This module gives an introduction into plasma physics with numerous examples of natural phenomena and technical applications. The fundamental properties of plasmas will be introduced together with a general characterization of different types of plasmas and current diagnostic techniques. Topics addressed are charged particles in magnetic fields, adiabatic invariants, the fluid description of plasmas, magneto-hydrodynamic models, the equilibrium condition, plasma stability, the dynamics of typical plasma instabilities and Alfvén waves. The models will be applied to examples from the sun, the ionosphere, technological applications and problems from fusion research.

After successful completion of this module the student is able to:

• name the main properties of plasmas and the difference to neutral gases,
• describe the dynamics of charged particles in magnetic fields and explain fundamental concepts of magnetic confinement,
• investigate the stability properties of specific plasmas
• illustrate the dynamics of typical plasma instabilities and Alfvén waves
• to describe, on the basis of the learned fundamentals, plasma-diagnostical and technical applications

No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program in Physics.

This module consists of a lecture and an exercise course.

In the lecture the learning content, which covers the theoretical basics and the according experimental realizations, is presented in form of an oral talk and blackboard work. Vivid examples and applications of the described topics will be explained additionally with a beamer presentation. The universal concepts of plasma physics are demonstrated especially with cross references between the different topics. It is emphasized to involve the students into interactive discussions on the contents learned. The course materials contain hyperlinks to original publications in order to encourage the students to perform literature research independently and to deepen the contents learned autonomously with the found, advanced literature.

In the exercise course the learning content is deepened and exercised using problem examples and state of the art programs for system analysis. Thus the students are able to explain and apply the learned physics knowledge independently.

Oral talk, beamer presentation, blackboard work, exercise sheets, exercises and tutor classes, discussions, accompanying website, additional literature.

• U. Stroth: Plasmaphysik: Phänomene, Grundlagen, Anwendungen, Springer Spektrum, (2018)
• R.J. Goldston & P.H. Rutherford: Introduction to Plasma physics, Routledge, (1995)
• T.J.M. Boyd & J.J. Sanderson: The Physics of Plasmas, Cambridge University Press, (2003)
• F.F. Chen: Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, Springer, (2016)

There will be an oral exam of about 20 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and discussions on sketches and simple equations.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

• Explain how to judge if matter is presently in the plasma aggregate state.
• Sketch the possible particle trajectories in the earth's magnetic field.
• Explain the principle of toroidal plasma confinement using sketches.
• Explain the dynamics of Alfvén waves and their characteristics.

Participation in the tutorials is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.