Plasma Physics: From Astrophysics to Fusion Energy
Applications of Plasma Physics: A comprehensive study of plasma behavior in solar processes, fusion technology, and emerging frontiers.
Applications of Plasma Physics: A comprehensive study of plasma behavior in solar processes, fusion technology, and emerging frontiers.
Delve into the fascinating world of plasma physics applications with this comprehensive course taught by leading experts. Journey from the heart of stars to cutting-edge industrial processes, and explore the potential of fusion energy. Learn how plasmas power the sun, drive space weather, revolutionize manufacturing, and promise sustainable energy solutions. This course covers astrophysical plasmas, industrial and medical applications, thermonuclear fusion, and laser-plasma interactions. Gain insights into current research and future possibilities in fields ranging from space science to energy production. Ideal for students and professionals seeking to understand the wide-ranging impacts of plasma physics in science and technology.
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What you'll learn
Analyze the role of plasmas in solar dynamics and astrophysical phenomena
Understand the applications of plasmas in industrial processes and emerging medical treatments
Explain the principles and challenges of thermonuclear fusion for energy production
Describe different approaches to magnetic confinement fusion and their current status
Understand plasma-wall interactions and materials challenges in fusion reactors
Analyze laser-plasma interactions and their applications in various fields
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of plasma physics applications across various scientific and technological domains. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of how plasmas function in astrophysical settings, industrial processes, medical treatments, and fusion energy research. The curriculum covers solar and stellar physics, space weather phenomena, plasma-based manufacturing techniques, emerging plasma medicine applications, and the challenges of harnessing fusion energy. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to thermonuclear fusion, detailing magnetic and inertial confinement approaches, plasma heating and control methods, and the complexities of plasma-wall interactions. The course also delves into laser-plasma interactions and their applications in energy production and laboratory astrophysics. Throughout the course, students will develop practical skills in problem-solving and MATLAB programming, applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios in plasma physics.
Plasmas in space and astrophysics
Module 1
Plasma applications in industry and medicine
Module 2
Thermonuclear fusion: an overview
Module 3
Thermonuclear fusion: magnetic confinement
Module 4
Thermonuclear fusion: magnetic confinement II
Module 5
Laser-plasma interaction
Module 6
Fee Structure
Instructors
2 Courses
Pioneer in Fusion and Plasma Physics Research
Ambrogio Fasoli is a distinguished physicist and Director of the Swiss Plasma Center at EPFL, where he leads groundbreaking research in fusion and plasma physics. After earning his Ph.D. from EPFL in 1993 studying chaos in plasmas, he worked at JET on fusion power experiments and later joined MIT as an Assistant Professor. Returning to EPFL in 2001, he progressed to Full Professor in 2008 and has since shaped the institution's plasma physics research. As Editor-in-Chief of Nuclear Fusion journal and chair of the FuseNet Academic Council, he plays a crucial role in advancing fusion research globally. Under his leadership, the Swiss Plasma Center has become a leading institution in fusion research, focusing on basic plasma physics, burning plasma physics, and tokamak physics. Fasoli serves as Associate Vice President for Research at EPFL and chairs the European consortium EUROfusion, while maintaining an active teaching role and developing educational initiatives in plasma physics. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including fellowship in the American Physical Society and EPFL's best teacher award.
2 Courses
Leading Expert in Plasma Physics and Fusion Research
Paolo Ricci is the newly appointed Director of the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC) and Full Professor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). After earning his master's in Nuclear Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, he completed his doctorate at Los Alamos National Laboratory, focusing on kinetic simulation of magnetic reconnection. Following postdoctoral research at Dartmouth College on gyrokinetic simulations, he joined EPFL's Swiss Plasma Center in 2006 as a EURATOM fellow, progressing to Full Professor in October 2023. His research focuses on numerical simulation of laboratory plasmas, plasma turbulence, and fusion physics. A distinguished educator, Ricci has received multiple teaching awards, including the 2016 Section de Physique Teaching Prize and the 2021 Craie d'Or award. He teaches General Physics II at the Bachelor's level and Plasma Physics II at the Master's level, known for his innovative teaching methods that combine traditional lectures with multimedia approaches and practical demonstrations. He also co-developed the world's first MOOC on plasma physics and teaches the PhD course on Magnetic Confinement
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