Plasma Physics

Plasma Physics is the branch of physics that focuses on the study of plasma, which is a state of matter composed of charged particles, including ions and electrons. It occurs in conditions where energy is sufficient to free electrons from atoms, leading to a collection of electrically conductive particles. Plasma is found naturally in stars, including the sun, and is also generated artificially in devices such as fusion reactors and neon signs. Researchers in plasma physics investigate the behavior of plasma, its interactions with magnetic and electric fields, and its applications in energy production, materials science, and space physics. The field plays a crucial role in understanding fundamental processes in astrophysics and developing technologies harnessing nuclear fusion.

  1. Basics of Plasma Physics
    1. Definition of plasma
      1. Description as a state of matter
        1. Distinction from other states
          1. Role of ionization in forming plasma
            1. Characteristics of quasi-neutrality
            2. States of matter
              1. Solid
                1. Fixed shape and volume
                  1. Arrangement of particles
                  2. Liquid
                    1. Fixed volume, variable shape
                      1. Flow properties
                      2. Gas
                        1. Neither fixed shape nor volume
                          1. Compressibility and expansibility
                          2. Plasma
                            1. Ionized gas with unique properties
                              1. Formation from ionization of gases
                                1. Presence in various environments (natural and artificial)
                              2. Ionization process
                                1. Mechanism of ionization
                                  1. Energy sources causing ionization
                                    1. Ionization energy
                                      1. Ionization by collision
                                      2. Degrees of ionization
                                        1. Partial ionization
                                          1. Characteristics and examples
                                          2. Complete ionization
                                            1. Extreme conditions required
                                          3. Methods of producing plasma
                                            1. Thermionic emission
                                              1. Photoionization
                                                1. Electron impact ionization
                                              2. Properties of plasma
                                                1. Conductivity
                                                  1. High electrical conductivity
                                                    1. Movement of electrons and ions
                                                      1. Applications of conductive properties
                                                      2. Temperature
                                                        1. Thermal motion of particles
                                                          1. Effects of high temperature on plasma properties
                                                            1. Concepts of electron temperature vs. ion temperature
                                                            2. Density
                                                              1. Particle density vs. mass density
                                                                1. Variation in different plasma types
                                                                  1. Measurement challenges
                                                                  2. Magnetization
                                                                    1. Plasma response to magnetic fields
                                                                      1. Magnetization levels (unmagnetized, partially magnetized, fully magnetized)
                                                                        1. Consequences of magnetization on plasma behavior