Program Overview

Program Overview

The Plasma Physics and Complex Plasmas program is a Physical Focus Area that offers a comprehensive education in plasma physics and complex plasma systems. The program is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the subject matter, introducing key research areas and methods, and laying the foundation for specialization and preparation for a Master's thesis in both experimental and theoretical plasma physics.

Program Structure

• The program is offered in the Winter and Summer Semester (WS + SS).
• The module type is Elective.
• The workload is 300 hours, equivalent to 10 credits.
• The recommended semester for enrollment is from the 1st semester onward.
• The duration of the program is 1-2 semesters.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the program will gain a deeper understanding of plasma physics and complex plasma systems. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter, including key research areas and methods, and to prepare them for specialization and further research.

Course Content

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• Single particle motion and kinetic theory
• Vlasov equation and Landau damping
• Fluid descriptions, plasma waves, and instabilities
• Hydrodynamic fundamentals, characteristic time and length scales
• Plasma diagnostics and boundary layer physics
• Plasma-surface interactions
• Discharge types, heating mechanisms, and plasma chemistry
• Light generation, plasma deposition, and plasma etching
• Waves and turbulence in plasmas

Recommended Literature

The following texts are recommended for students enrolled in the program:

• F. F. Chen: Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion
• M. Lieberman & A. Lichtenberg: Principles of Plasma Discharges and Materials Processing
• Reece Roth: Industrial Plasma Engineering
• T. J. M. Boyd & J. J. Sanderson: The Physics of Plasmas
• D. R. Nicholson: Introduction to Plasma Theory
• U. Frisch: Turbulence
• W. D. McComb: The Physics of Fluid Turbulence
• S. B. Pope: Turbulent Flows

Teaching Methods

The program uses a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Exercises
• Seminars

Assessment and Credit Requirements

To receive credit points, students must complete all components of the module. The final grade is calculated as the weighted average of all graded components, according to their respective credit points. If the total number of earned credits exceeds 10, the average is based on the actual total achieved. Partial weighting of individual courses is not permitted. If one or more components are ungraded, the final grade for the physical focus area is determined via an oral examination.