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Ambrogio Fasoli,
Paolo Ricci,
Alan Howling,
Christian Theiler,
Duccio Testa,
Ivo Furno,
Jean-Philippe Hogge,
François Amiranoff,
Caterina Riconda,
and
Thierry Dufour
This physics course, taught by world-renowned experts in the field, will provide you with an overview of applications in plasma physics. From the study of far distant astrophysical objects, over diverse applications in industry and medicine, to the ultimate goal of sustainable electricity generation from nuclear fusion.
Read more
This physics course, taught by world-renowned experts in the field, will provide you with an overview of applications in plasma physics. From the study of far distant astrophysical objects, over diverse applications in industry and medicine, to the ultimate goal of sustainable electricity generation from nuclear fusion.
Read more
This physics course, taught by world-renowned experts in the field, will provide you with an overview of applications in plasma physics. From the study of far distant astrophysical objects, over diverse applications in industry and medicine, to the ultimate goal of sustainable electricity generation from nuclear fusion.
In the first part of this course, you will learn how nuclear fusion powers our Sun and the stars in the Universe. You will explore the cyclic variation of the Sun’s activity, how plasma flows can generate large-scale magnetic fields, and how these fields can reconnect to release large amounts of energy, manifested, for instance, by violent eruptions on the Sun.
The second part of this course discusses the key role of plasma applications in industry and introduces the emerging field of plasma medicine. You will learn in detail how plasmas are generated and sustained in strong electric fields, why plasmas are indispensable for the manufacturing of today’s integrated circuits, and what the prospects are of plasma treatments in cancerology, dentistry and dermatology.
In the third and most extensive part of this course, you will familiarize yourself with the different approaches to fusion energy, the current status, and the necessary steps from present-day experimental devices towards a fusion reactor providing electricity to the grid. You will learn about the key ingredients of a magnetic fusion reactor, how to confine, heat, and control fusion plasmas at temperatures of 100 million degrees Kelvin, explore the challenges of plasma wall interactions and structural materials, and the importance of superconductivity.
Finally, in the fourth part of this course, you will learn about laser-created plasmas and the interaction between plasmas and high-power laser pulses. Applications range from energy production by thermonuclear fusion to laboratory astrophysics, creation of intense sources of high-energy particle and radiation beams, and fundamental studies involving high-field quantum electrodynamics.
To enjoy this course on plasma applications, it is recommended to first familiarize yourself with the plasma physics basics taught in Plasma Physics: Introduction.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/m6czqt/plasma
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- Different applications of plasmas
- Understanding of the fusion energy challenge, and acquisition of the basis for developing an overall vision of the different r&d elements
- Understanding of the main plasma societal applications and relevant tools
- Vision and appreciation of the importance of plasmas in space and astrophysics
- By solving problems in course content, you will acquire some basic knowledge of matlab programming
- Different applications of plasmas
- Understanding of the fusion energy challenge, and acquisition of the basis for developing an overall vision of the different r&d elements
- Understanding of the main plasma societal applications and relevant tools
- Vision and appreciation of the importance of plasmas in space and astrophysics
- By solving problems in course content, you will acquire some basic knowledge of matlab programming
Syllabus
Week 1: Plasmas in space and astrophysics
Week 2: Plasma applications in industry and medicine
Week 3: Thermonuclear fusion: an overview
Week 4: Thermonuclear fusion: magnetic confinement
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: Plasmas in space and astrophysics
Week 2: Plasma applications in industry and medicine
Week 3: Thermonuclear fusion: an overview
Week 4: Thermonuclear fusion: magnetic confinement
Read more
Week 5: Thermonuclear fusion: magnetic confinement II
Week 6: Laser-plasma interaction
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners with some basic knowledge of plasma physics, as it builds on the concepts taught in the prerequisite course
Provides a comprehensive overview of plasma applications, from astrophysics to industry and medicine
Covers the key ingredients and challenges of magnetic fusion reactors, making it relevant for those interested in sustainable energy
Involves solving problems in course content, providing an opportunity to develop basic MATLAB programming skills
Taught by world-renowned experts in plasma physics, indicating the high quality of instruction
Covers laser-plasma interactions and their applications, catering to learners interested in high-power laser physics
Provides a vision for the importance of plasmas in various fields, including space and astrophysics
Save this course
Save Plasma Physics: Applications to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Plasma Physics: Applications with these
activities:
Review 'Introduction to Plasma Physics'
Show steps
Develop a solid foundation in plasma science before the course begins.
View
An Indispensable Truth: How Fusion Power Can...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-5 of the book.
-
Solve the end-of-chapter exercises for those chapters.
Connect with Plasma Scientists on LinkedIn
Show steps
Expand your professional network and learn about career opportunities.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
-
Create a LinkedIn profile.
-
Search for and connect with plasma scientists.
-
Join relevant LinkedIn groups and participate in discussions.
Create a Glossary of Plasma Terms
Show steps
Understanding the vocabulary used in plasma science is crucial.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
-
Create a list of key plasma terms from the course materials.
-
Define each term clearly and concisely.
-
Provide examples or diagrams to illustrate the concepts.
-
Share your glossary with classmates for feedback.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore Plasma Simulation Tools
Show steps
Become familiar with plasma simulation software used by professionals.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
-
Identify and download a plasma simulation software package.
-
Follow tutorials to learn the basics of the software.
-
Run simulations to explore plasma behavior under different conditions.
-
Analyze the results of your simulations.
Form a Study Group for Plasma Applications
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding and retention of course material.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
-
Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
-
Set up regular meeting times.
-
Review course materials together.
-
Discuss concepts and solve problems.
MATLAB Programming Drills
Show steps
MATLAB programming skills are essential for this course.
Browse courses on
MATLAB
Show steps
-
Follow tutorials on MATLAB basics.
-
Solve practice problems involving MATLAB.
-
Create a MATLAB script that simulates a simple plasma model.
Attend a Plasma Physics Conference
Show steps
Connect with experts, learn about research advancements, and gain inspiration.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
-
Identify upcoming plasma physics conferences.
-
Submit an abstract for a poster or oral presentation (optional).
-
Attend conference sessions and engage with speakers.
Develop a Research Proposal for a Plasma Application
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in proposing and designing plasma research.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
-
Identify a specific plasma application of interest.
-
Conduct a literature review to gather background information.
-
Formulate a research question and hypothesis.
-
Design a research methodology to test your hypothesis.
-
Write a research proposal outlining your project.
Contribute to an Open-Source Plasma Physics Project
Show steps
Gain real-world experience and contribute to the advancement of plasma science.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
-
Identify open-source plasma physics projects.
-
Review the documentation and codebase.
-
Identify areas where you can contribute.
-
Make a pull request with your contributions.
Review 'Introduction to Plasma Physics'
Show steps
Develop a solid foundation in plasma science before the course begins.
View
An Indispensable Truth: How Fusion Power Can...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-5 of the book.
- Solve the end-of-chapter exercises for those chapters.
Connect with Plasma Scientists on LinkedIn
Show steps
Expand your professional network and learn about career opportunities.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a LinkedIn profile.
- Search for and connect with plasma scientists.
- Join relevant LinkedIn groups and participate in discussions.
Create a Glossary of Plasma Terms
Show steps
Understanding the vocabulary used in plasma science is crucial.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a list of key plasma terms from the course materials.
- Define each term clearly and concisely.
- Provide examples or diagrams to illustrate the concepts.
- Share your glossary with classmates for feedback.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore Plasma Simulation Tools
Show steps
Become familiar with plasma simulation software used by professionals.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and download a plasma simulation software package.
- Follow tutorials to learn the basics of the software.
- Run simulations to explore plasma behavior under different conditions.
- Analyze the results of your simulations.
Form a Study Group for Plasma Applications
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding and retention of course material.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
- Set up regular meeting times.
- Review course materials together.
- Discuss concepts and solve problems.
MATLAB Programming Drills
Show steps
MATLAB programming skills are essential for this course.
Browse courses on
MATLAB
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow tutorials on MATLAB basics.
- Solve practice problems involving MATLAB.
- Create a MATLAB script that simulates a simple plasma model.
Attend a Plasma Physics Conference
Show steps
Connect with experts, learn about research advancements, and gain inspiration.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify upcoming plasma physics conferences.
- Submit an abstract for a poster or oral presentation (optional).
- Attend conference sessions and engage with speakers.
Develop a Research Proposal for a Plasma Application
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in proposing and designing plasma research.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific plasma application of interest.
- Conduct a literature review to gather background information.
- Formulate a research question and hypothesis.
- Design a research methodology to test your hypothesis.
- Write a research proposal outlining your project.
Contribute to an Open-Source Plasma Physics Project
Show steps
Gain real-world experience and contribute to the advancement of plasma science.
Browse courses on
Plasma Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source plasma physics projects.
- Review the documentation and codebase.
- Identify areas where you can contribute.
- Make a pull request with your contributions.
Career center
Learners who complete Plasma Physics: Applications will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Plasma Physicist
Plasma Physicist
Plasma Physicists study the behavior of plasma, a state of matter composed of ionized gas. Since plasma constitutes over 99 percent of the visible universe, the applications of plasma physics are far-reaching. Plasma Physicists could work on everything from understanding the behavior of stars to developing new fusion energy sources. This course would be a perfect introduction for anyone interested in this field.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design and operate systems that produce energy from nuclear processes. This course will provide a strong foundation for Nuclear Engineering students and professionals interested in fusion energy, a potential future source of clean and sustainable energy. The course covers the basics of plasma physics and provides an overview of nuclear fusion reactors and the challenges of fusion energy development.
Plasma Processing Engineer
Plasma Processing Engineer
Plasma Processing Engineers use plasma to modify the surface of materials. This course would provide a strong theoretical foundation for Plasma Processing Engineers who want to develop new and improved plasma processing techniques.
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists study the physical properties of celestial objects. This course would be of great interest to Astrophysics students and professionals who want to gain a deeper understanding of the plasma physics that governs the behavior of stars and other astronomical objects.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for a wide variety of applications. Plasma processing is an important tool for modifying the properties of materials, and this course would provide Materials Scientists with a deeper understanding of plasma physics and its applications in materials science.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical systems. Plasma is increasingly being used in a variety of mechanical engineering applications, and this course would provide Mechanical Engineers with a foundational understanding of plasma physics and its applications.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems and devices. Plasma is used in a variety of electrical engineering applications, and this course would provide Electrical Engineers with a basic understanding of plasma physics and its applications.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and build medical devices and systems. Plasma is increasingly being used in a variety of biomedical engineering applications, and this course may be useful for Biomedical Engineers who want to learn more about these applications.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems. Plasma is increasingly being used in a variety of environmental engineering applications, and this course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who want to learn more about these applications.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and build chemical plants and other chemical processing systems. Plasma is increasingly being used in a variety of chemical engineering applications, and this course may be useful for Chemical Engineers who want to learn more about these applications.
Mining Engineer
Mining Engineer
Mining Engineers design and build mines and other mining systems. Plasma is increasingly being used in a variety of mining engineering applications, and this course may be useful for Mining Engineers who want to learn more about these applications.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design and improve production systems. Plasma is increasingly being used in a variety of industrial engineering applications, and this course may be useful for Industrial Engineers who want to learn more about these applications.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design and build aircraft and spacecraft. Plasma is used in a variety of aerospace engineering applications, and this course may be useful for Aerospace Engineers who want to learn more about these applications.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, and roads. Plasma is increasingly being used in a variety of civil engineering applications, and this course may be useful for Civil Engineers who want to learn more about these applications.
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers design and build computer systems. Plasma is used in a variety of computer engineering applications, and this course may be useful for Computer Engineers who want to learn more about these applications.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m6czqt/plasma
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Plasma Physics: Applications.
Good overview of plasma physics and fusion energy. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Solid overview of the fundamentals of plasma physics. This book should be used as a current reference. This book is commonly used as a textbook by industry professionals.
Good starting point for someone with no prior knowledge of plasma physics and its applications. This book should be used as a current reference. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Good overview of plasma processing fundamentals and applications. This book is used as a textbook by industry professionals.
Save
Good overview of fusion energy. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Good overview of plasma materials interactions. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Good overview of laser-plasma interactions. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Clear and concise introduction to plasma physics. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Save
Good overview of the history and politics of fusion energy. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Good overview of the plasma physics of the sun. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Save
Good overview of plasma astrophysics. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Good overview of plasma simulation methods and applications. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Good overview of dusty plasmas. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Good overview of the field of plasma medicine. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m6czqt/plasma
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Effort
5 to 6 hours per week for 10 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Instructors
Ambrogio Fasoli
Paolo Ricci
Alan Howling
Christian Theiler
Duccio Testa
Ivo Furno
Jean-Philippe Hogge
François Amiranoff
Caterina Riconda
Thierry Dufour
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Suitable for learners with some basic knowledge of plasma physics, as it builds on the concepts taught in the prerequisite course
Provides a comprehensive overview of plasma applications, from astrophysics to industry and medicine
Covers the key ingredients and challenges of magnetic fusion reactors, making it relevant for those interested in sustainable energy
Involves solving problems in course content, providing an opportunity to develop basic MATLAB programming skills
Taught by world-renowned experts in plasma physics, indicating the high quality of instruction
Covers laser-plasma interactions and their applications, catering to learners interested in high-power laser physics
Provides a vision for the importance of plasmas in various fields, including space and astrophysics
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