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Nuclear Fusion and Plasma Physics (EPFL)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:14:53
Abstract
The goal of the course is to provide the physics and technology basis for controlled fusion research, from the main elements of plasma physics to the reactor concepts.
Objective
By the end of the course, the student must be able to: - Design the main elements of a fusion reactor - Identify the main physics challenges on the way to fusion - Identify the main technological challenges of fusion
Content
1) Basics of thermonuclear fusion 2) The plasma state and its collective effects 3) Charged particle motion and collisional effects 4) Fluid description of a plasma 5) Plasma equilibrium and stability 6) Magnetic confinement: Tokamak and Stellarator 7) Waves in plasma 8) Wave-particle interactions 9) Heating and non inductive current drive by radio frequency waves 10) Heating and non inductive current drive by neutral particle beams 11) Material science and technology: Low and high Temperature superconductor - Properties of material under irradiation 12) Some nuclear aspects of a fusion reactor: Tritium production 13) Licensing a fusion reactor: safety, nuclear waste 14) Inertial confinement
Resources
Literature
- J. Freidberg, Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy, Cambridge University Press, 2007 - F.F. Chen, Introductionto Plasma Physcs, 2nd edition, Plenum Press, 1984
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Nuclear Fusion and Plasma Physics (EPFL)
**Course at EPFL**
|
No time listed | 4 h weekly |
Offered In
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Nuclear Engineering Master (MSc Nuclear Engineering is a joint program of EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich. The first semester takes place in Lausanne. Students therefore have to enroll at EPFL. For more information about the curriculum and courses see: )
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