Course detail

Plasma Applications in Engineering

FEKT-BPC-TAPAcad. year: 2025/2026

This course is an overview introduction to the physics of the fourth state of matter, known as plasma. Plasma physics is the study of ionized gas, which is the state of matter for 99.9% of the known universe, from astrophysical plasmas to the solar wind and radiation belts to the Earth's ionosphere. Plasma phenomena are also important for thermonuclear fusion-driven energy generation. Topics to be covered during the course include the motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields, dynamics of fully ionized plasmas from microscopic and macroscopic viewpoints, magneto-hydrodynamics, plasma radiation, electric discharges, applications to fusion devices, ionospheric and space physics, etc.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. RNDr. Vladimír Aubrecht, CSc.

Department

Department of Power Electrical and Electronic Engineering (UVEE)

Entry knowledge

Secondary school level knowledge is required. 

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Prerequisite for credit: At least 60% success in each of the two written tests at the middle and end of the semester. 

Aims

- Gain a general overview of the use of plasmas in materials science and other engineering disciplines.
- Develop problem solving skills in plasma technology.
- Recognize the role of modern plasma physics in industrial processes and technologies.
- Understand basic methods of plasma diagnostics in quenching chambers of switchgear, plasmatrons and other plasma devices. 

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

F. F. Chen: Úvod do fyziky plazmatu, Academia, Praha, 1984 (CS)
V. Aubrecht: Fyzika a diagnostika plazmatu, e-text, 2013, VUT v Brně (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPC-AMT Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-APE Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective

  • Programme BPC-AUD Bachelor's

    specialization AUDB-ZVUK , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization AUDB-TECH , 0 year of study, summer semester, elective

  • Programme BPC-BTB Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-ECT Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-IBE Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-MET Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-SEE Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-TLI Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-NCP Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme BPC-EMU Bachelor's 0 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Vladimír Aubrecht, CSc.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to plasma physics, history, basic parameters.
2. Technical applications of plasma - overview.
3. Basic processes in plasma.
4. Plasma diagnostics.
5. Controlled thermonuclear fusion.
6. Systematics of gas discharges, discharges at atmospheric pressure.
7. Low pressure gas discharges.
8. Electric arc, switching arc.
9. Plasma thrusters for space applications.
10. Vacuum technology.
11. Plasma technologies for microelectronics and surface treatments.
12. Excursions to the laboratory.
13. Summary, final test.