Program Overview

Course Overview

The course EF2270 Applied Plasma Physics is a 6.0 credit course that explores the principles and applications of plasma physics. Plasma, the fourth state of matter, makes up 99% of the visible universe and has diverse applications in various industries, including fine structure etching and deposition in integrated circuit production, high power plasma torches, atmospheric-pressure plasma processing, plasma addressing environmental problems, plasma medicine, and plasma nano-technology.

Information per Course Offering

The course is offered in the autumn semester, with the specific dates and details provided below:

• Start date: 26 Oct 2026
• End date: 11 Jan 2027
• Duration: 26 Oct 2026 - 11 Jan 2027
• Periods: Autumn 2026: P2 (6 hp)
• Pace of study: 33%
• Application code: 10859
• Form of study: Normal Daytime
• Language of instruction: English
• Number of places: Min: 1
• Target group: Open for all programmes as long as it can be included in your programme.

Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is available in an accessible format on the course page. The syllabus includes the following topics:

• Plasma-surface interactions: electron-induced electron emission, ion-induced electron emission, thermionic emission, field emission, photoelectric emission, sputtering.
• The balance of electron energy in ac and dc discharges.
• Characterizing parameters: collisionality, degree of ionization, degree of magnetization.
• Discharge types: DC glow discharges, sputtering magnetrons, arc discharges, and RF discharges.
• Applications connected to sustainable development goals: carbon dioxide conversion, ozone generation, water purification, medical applications, waste treatment.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the physical mechanisms behind different plasma-surface interaction processes.
• Discuss practical applications of electron emission physics relevant to plasma discharges and diagnostic components.
• Describe the plasma physical processes and characterizing parameters listed in the course content.
• Explain the functioning of discharge types with focus on the dominating plasma physical processes.
• Describe technical applications of plasma processing and explain how discharge types' characteristic parameters are related to the desired use of devices.
• Describe applications of plasma discharges connected to sustainable development goals and discuss advantages/disadvantages with respect to competing non-plasma technologies.

Literature and Preparations

The specific prerequisites for the course include knowledge of plasma physics, 6 credits, equivalent to completed course EF2200. Recommended prerequisites include basic electromagnetic field theory. For single course students, documented proficiency in English B or equivalent is required. Course literature information can be found in the course memo or the course room in Canvas.

Examination and Completion

The course is graded on a scale of A, B, C, D, E, FX, F. The examination consists of:

• INL1 - Hand-in assignments, 3.0 credits.
• TENA - Written exam, 3.0 credits. The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students. If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Further Information

The course is offered by EECS/Electrical Engineering, and the main field of study is Electrical Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics. The education cycle is the second cycle. The EECS code of honor applies to this course. Registered students can find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas.