ECTS - University of Pisa
| Modules | Area | Type | Hours | Teacher(s) | |
| PLASMI TEORIA CINETICA | FIS/03 | LEZIONI | 36 |
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After completing the course the student will have a solid knowledge of the physics of high temperature dilute plasmas of interest for astrophysics, space physics, thermonuclear fusion studies and high-energy laser plasma interactions. The course is mostly theoretical. The course has an interdisciplinary perspective and is a needed prerequisite for all research activities in physical settings where plasmas are present from space to the laboratory.
After completing the course the student will have a solid knowledge of the physics of high temperature dilute plasmas of interest for astrophysics, space physics, thermonuclear fusion studies and high-energy laser plasma interactions. The course is mostly theoretical. The course has an interdisciplinary perspective and is a needed prerequisite for all research activities in physical settings where plasmas are present from space to the laboratory.
The assessment aims to ascertain the basic knowledge of kinetic plasma physics and, most importantly, the understanding of, and the ability to use the methods that have been developed for the study of a complex system like a plasma.
The assessment aims to ascertain the basic knowledge of kinetic plasma physics and, most importantly, the understanding of, and the ability to use the methods that have been developed for the study of a complex system like a plasma.
Methods:
Further information:
The oral exam consists in a seminar on an agreed subject (the seminar is based on reading and understanding a research article) with free questions related to the seminar subject and covering the material of the course.
Being able at the end od the course to read and understand a research article in plasma physics
Seminar on a specific research article
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Mechanics
Statistical mechanics
Electrmagnetism in vacuum and in media
Relativistic kinematics
Learning activities:
Attendance: Advised
Delivery: face to face
Learning activities:
Attendance: Advised
Teaching methods:
Definition of high temperature dilute plasmas, derivation of Vlasov equation. Relationship with fluid plasma descriptions. Linear versus nonlinear plasma dynamics. Vlasov equilibria and plasma waves in a kinetic description; Landau damping. Waves in a magnetized plasma, the method of the characteristics. Low frequency, large scale limit of the kinetic plasma description. Plasma instabilities and anomalous transport properties of a plasma in regimes where thermodynamic equilibrium is absent even at a local level. Quasilinear theory and anomalous diffusion.
Definition of high temperature dilute plasmas, derivation of Vlasov equation. Relationship with fluid plasma descriptions. Linear versus nonlinear plasma dynamics. Vlasov equilibria and plasma waves in a kinetic description; Landau damping. Waves in a magnetized plasma, the method of the characteristics. Low frequency, large scale limit of the kinetic plasma description. Plasma instabilities and anomalous transport properties of a plasma in regimes where thermodynamic equilibrium is absent even at a local level. Quasilinear theory and anomalous diffusion.
Krall and Trivelpiece Principles of Plasma Physics or any standard textbook on kinetic plasma theory
Notes on specific subjects distributed by e-mail
Krall and Trivelpiece Principles of Plasma Physics or any standard textbook on kinetic plasma theory
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The oral exam consists in a seminar on an agreed subject (the seminar is based on reading and understanding a research article) with free questions related to the seminar subject and covering the material of the course.
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Lecture schedule and examination dates decided together with participating students
Teacher freely available for clarifications and suggestions in his office
