Plasma physics
Graduate · Physics
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Kinetic theory
- Vlasov equation and collision operators
- Landau damping and plasma echoes
- BGK modes and Bernstein waves
- Fokker–Planck equation for collisions
- Transport coefficients from kinetic theory
MHD and stability
- MHD equilibrium: Grad–Shafranov equation
- Magnetohydrodynamic instabilities
- Resistive tearing and reconnection
- Kink and sausage modes in pinches
- Diamagnetic drift and curvature effects
Fusion and space plasmas
- Tokamak confinement scaling laws
- Laser–plasma interactions and ICF
- Solar wind and magnetospheric coupling
- Dusty and non-neutral plasmas
- Plasma processing for semiconductors
STEM / applied
Fusion engineering
- Turbulence and anomalous transport
- RF heating: ICRH and LHCD
- Plasma-facing materials and erosion
- Burn control and tritium inventory
- Economic and policy drivers for fusion
Diagnostics and simulation
- Gyrokinetic and PIC simulation codes
- Bolometry and neutron flux diagnostics
- Reflectometry for density profiles
- Magnetic reconstruction equilibria
- High-performance computing for fusion
Laboratory and space missions
- Magnetized target fusion concepts
- Helicon sources and plasma thrusters
- MMS and Parker Solar Probe data context
- Space weather forecasting pipelines
- Safety protocols for high-power microwave labs
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Kinetic theory
Vlasov equation and collision operators
Coming soon - MHD and stability
MHD equilibrium: Grad–Shafranov equation
Coming soon - Fusion and space plasmas
Tokamak confinement scaling laws
Coming soon - Fusion engineering
Turbulence and anomalous transport
Coming soon - Diagnostics and simulation
Gyrokinetic and PIC simulation codes
Coming soon - Laboratory and space missions
Magnetized target fusion concepts
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common graduate physics core and elective syllabi at US universities. Sequencing and emphasis vary between one- and two-semester treatments.