京都大学 京都大学

Introduction to Plasma Science-E2

Numbering Code U-LAS12 20019 LE57 Year/Term 2022 ・ Second semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Lecture
Target Year Mainly 1st year students Target Student For all majors
Language English Day/Period Tue.3
Instructor name Arseniy Aleksandrovich，Kuzmin (Graduate School of Engineering Senior Lecturer)
Outline and Purpose of the Course Plasma is diverse and very abundant. Almost 99% of the visible matter in the observable Universe is in the state of plasma. It is everywhere in Space and on Earth, naturally occurring and produced in laboratories or used in factories. Stars, nebulas, Auroras, sparks, arc welding, thermonuclear reactors - this is just a beginning of a big list of various plasmas.

In this course the so-called fourth state of matter - plasma, will be introduced. We will start with a brief overview of possible plasmas and will define it. Next, we'll go into some details about plasma description. There are various approaches to describe plasma, they depend on the plasma kind. We will mainly focus on a single particle approach. If you are not familiar with some mathematics or physics, I will introduce the necessary concepts in class. So any humanities students are welcome.

After we finish with a more formal descriptions, we will review some of the cosmic plasmas: our Sun, solar wind, and Auroras.

Then I will introduce some of technological plasma applications and will focus on explanation of a magnetic confinement of plasma for energy generation.
Course Goals The goal of this course is to introduce listeners to the "forth state of matter" - plasma.
To understand what is plasma and what are its properties.
To learn the role of plasma in the cosmic phenomena.
To learn about scientific and technological applications of plasma.
To understand basic idea of the fusion energy research.
Schedule and Contents 1. Kinds of plasma, definitions of plasma.
2. Motion of a charged particle in electric and magnetic fields.
3. Particle drifts and collisions.
4. Formation of plasma and ionization of gases.
5. Laboratory plasma: glow, arc and corona discharges.
6. Cosmic plasma: star formation and start structure.
7. Cosmic plasma: solar corona and solar wind.
8. Aurora and how it is formed.
9. Technological applications of plasma.
10.The ultimate energy source on Earth: thermonuclear fusion.

14 lectures in total and one feedback class.
Evaluation Methods and Policy Evaluation will be based on:
10% attendance and participation
20% homework
20% quiz
50% final exam
Course Requirements None
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) Preparation for lectures will include revision of class materials and homework assignments. Detailed instructions will be given during the class.
References, etc. Tokamaks, John Wesson, (Clarendon Pres - Oxford), ISBN:0-198-50922-7
Exploring the secrets of the aurora, Syun-Ichi Akasofu, (Springer), ISBN: 0-387-45094-7
The physics of stars, A. C. Phillips, (John Wiley & Sons), ISBN:0-471-94057-5
Physics of the solar corona, Markus Aschwanden, (Springer), ISBN:3-540-30765-6
Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fuion, Francis F. Chen, (Springer), ISBN: 978-3-319-22308-7
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