FYS-3017 Laboratory Plasmas for Space Research

Work Load 10  credits (ECTS)

Type of course Theoretical and practical subject.

Level of course/Year of study Master level course.

Language of instruction Norwegian, or English by request

Examination semester Spring

Contents This course aims to give an understanding of plasmas contained within boundaries. In confined plasmas both the plasma source and sink has to be considered, and a true equilibrium is generally not obtained. Nevertheless, laboratory plasmas experiments are important to help understanding phenomena in space plasmas. Topics covered in the first part of the course are plasma production, plasma sheaths, and particle and energy balance in low-temperature plasmas, such as DC discharges and wave-produced plasmas. The relation between laboratory and space plasmas is discussed, and emphasis is given to how phenomena in space can be simulated in laboratory experiments. The second part focuses on laboratory experiments and plasma diagnostic methods, in particular probe techniques, which also applies to diagnostics carried in rocket and satellite payloads. The laboratory projects provide hands-on training in the experimental methods applied in the plasma laboratory, including experiment design and control, diagnostics, data acquisition, and data analysis, as well as vacuum technique and plasma source design.

Recommended previous qualifications FYS-2009 Introduction to plasma physics

Form of teaching Lectures: 32 hours Laboratory projects and seminars: 32 hours

Exam and assessment Portfolio assessment of a laboratory project (counting approx 20%) and a final oral examination (counting 80%). Grading scale: A-F. Re-sit examination: Early in tutor free term, with reserve of postponed examination oral examination which counts 100%. Postponed examination: According to the current regulation of exams § 21. New examination: According to the current regulation exams § 25, last paragraph.

Contact person/lecturer Arvid Aanstad, tlf: +47 77 64 40 06, e-mail: stud-kons@phys.uit.no

Recommended reading/syllabus Available on request

Course overlap FYS-8017 -1      10 sp