The purpose of the course is to familiarize the students with the tools used in theoretical plasma physics. The course builds upon the foundation of the introductory plasma physics course. Subjects of fundamental importance are considered, such as kinetic theory, fluctuations and wave scattering in plasmas.
Course memo Autumn 2023
Course presentation
Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Spring 2019
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Klimontovich approach, spectral densities of fluctuations, kinetic Boltzmann equation and collision integrals, Fokker-Planck equation.
Wave particle interactions. Collision-free absorption mechanisms.
Scattering and transformation of transverse and longitudinal waves in plasmas. Radiation scattering as a noninvasive plasma diagnostic.
Intended learning outcomes
After completed course, the students should able to
- reproduce basic equations (as detailed in the syllabus) and explain the physical principles behind them
- show command of short derivations and show understanding of principles behind longer derivations
- give physical interpretation of the results of derivations
Learning activities
- Short quizzes for understanding: all students present in the lecture are involved.
- Problem solving classes: individual hand-in assignments to be solved at home, over the course duration all students get an opportunity to present their solution(s) on the whiteboard.
- Seminars: well-defined material is distributed to the students, over the course duration all students will get an opportunity to present and discuss a selected theme/question.
- Problem-solving for the exam: individual hand-in assignments distributed after the corresponding modules. The problems are to be solved at home following the techniques introduced at the lectures and the course material.
- Preparation for the oral exam: exam questions will be given at the beginning of the course to guide the student learning and encourage a uniform study-load distribution.
Detailed plan
The course material and corresponding learning activities are structured in four modules as:
- ‘Fluctuation theory’- Lectures, problem solving, seminar
- ‘Linear response theory, collective modes in plasmas’- Lectures, problem solving, seminar
- ‘Emission formula in plasmas’ - Lecture
- ‘Wave scattering and transformation in plasmas’ - Lectures and joint discussion
Preparation activities:
- reading the course material
- answering the questions contained in the lecture notes
- solving individual hand-in assignments
- making notes for a short oral presentation and joint discussions
The examination consists of two parts:
- solutions of individual hand-in assignments
- oral exam, extended answers to questions formulated in the exam-question list
Preparations before course start
Recommended prerequisites
Basic courses in electromagnetic field theory.
EF2200 Plasma physics or equivalent
Literature
No information insertedSupport for students with disabilities
Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:
Examination and completion
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- TEN1 - Examination, 7.5 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Oral examination, hand-in assignments.
Grading criteria/assessment criteria
The oral exam comprises two parts:
- Discussion of the solutions of the individual hand-in assignments
- Discussion of selected questions from the list of oral exam questions
For the highest grade, the students shall demonstrate their:
- Ability to explain concepts of fluctuation theory
- Command of short derivations and understanding of principles behind longer derivations
- Ability to perform dimensional analysis
- Physical interpretation of the key results
- Critical assessment of the key results , e.g. by referring to known limits, results from fluid approach or dimensional analysis
The final grade for the exam is sum of the grades of the two parts.
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
No information inserted
Contacts
Course Coordinator
Teachers
Examiner
Round Facts
Start date
30 Oct 2023
Course offering
- Autumn 2023-50109
Language Of Instruction
English