Atomic and radiative processes in plasmas

PHYS-762 / 4 credits

Teacher(s): Mykytchuk Dmytry, Porte Laurie, Sheikh Umar, Stollberg Christine

Language: English

Remark: Next time: Spring 2026

Frequency

Every 2 years

Summary

The course covers atomic structure, collisional-radiative (CR) processes, and spectroscopic techniques. Students learn to critically apply CR models, evaluate spectroscopic tools, and interpret experimental data obtained in different plasmas.

Content

Atomic and radiative processes are essential for understanding the behavior of both space and laboratory plasmas.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical foundations of atomic and radiative processes relevant to various plasma regimes, along with practical tools for studying plasmas through spectroscopic techniques.
Students will explore the fundamentals of atomic structure and collisional-radiative (CR) processes, gaining a basic understanding of CR models and their critical application to interprete spectral line intensities. The course will also cover a range of spectroscopic techniques, spanning from x-ray to infrared wavelengths, with a focus on data analysis methods commonly used in low-temperature plasma sources, magnetic confinement fusion, and space plasmas.
Practical examples will be drawn from EPFL's TCV tokamak, providing hands-on insights into real-world applications.

 


Detailed course content:

 

1) Atomic energy structure
Electron in central potential, Hydrogen atom (Hamiltonian with relativistic correction) - 2h
Many electron atoms and spectroscopic notations - 1h
Zeeman effect, Stark effect - 1h

 

2) Radiation processes
Spontaneous emission - 2h
Induced emission & absorption (opacity, laser absorption) - 1h
Continuum emission: Bremsstrahlung, free-bound emission, black body - 2h

 

3) Collisional processes
Cross sections: Practical application of Partial wave decomposition & Born approximation - 2h
Elastic collisions - 1h
Inelastic collisions - 1h

 

4) Collisional-Radiative Models
Overview of collisional-radiative processes in plasmas - 1h
From cross sections to reaction rates - 1h
Rate equations and their solution - 1h
Application of CRMs in different plasma regimes (Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium, Corona equilibrium, collisional-radiative equilibrium) and testing of CRMs - 2h

 

5) Spectroscopic diagnostics and analysis
Passive emission spectroscopy: UV - VIS - NIR techniques & data analysis - 3h
IR imaging techniques & data analysis - 1h
Spectroscopy of high energy photons - 2h
Cyclotron radiation - 2h
Active spectroscopy: Thomson scattering, Laser induced fluorescence techniques, Absorption spectroscopy - 2h

Keywords

Plasma, Atomic Physics, Spectroscopy, Collisional-radiative modeling

 

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Statistical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Understand the energy structure of many-electron atoms and key collisional and radiative processes in plasmas.
  • Understand the principles of collisional-radiative models (CRMs).
  • Use of CRMs and critical assessment of their results.
  • Develop fundamental knowledge of spectroscopic methods for plasma diagnostics and gain the ability to evaluate and select appropriate tools for specific applications.
  • Understand of working principles of TCV spectroscopic diagnostics and which information they can provide about the plasma as well as perform basic data analysis routines.

Resources

Bibliography

Atomic Physics in hot plasmas, David Salzman,
The theory of atomic collisions, N. F. Mott and H. S. W. Massey, Chapters: 2, 7, 8, 9, 11
Radiative processes in Astrophysics, George B. Rybicki, Alan P. Lightman, Chapters: 1, 3, 5, 9, 10
Principles of Plasma Diagnsotics, I.H. Hutchinson; Cambridge University Press ISBN 0-521-32622-2
Radiation Processes in Plasmas, G. Bekefi, J. Wiley & Sons

 

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Number of places: 20
  • Exam form: Written (session free)
  • Subject examined: Atomic and radiative processes in plasmas
  • Courses: 28 Hour(s)
  • Exercises: 28 Hour(s)
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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