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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2019 - 2020

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

Present the fundamental principles of partially ionised, chemically active plasma discharges and their use in surface processing and other industrial applications. Introduce plasma behaviour by drawing on examples from nature and by pointing out specific plasma properties which are useful in technological applications. Provide an introduction to plasma measurement techniques and to the basic interactions between plasmas and surfaces.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the distinguishing features of a plasma.
2. Identify the critical plasma parameters as pertain to industrial plasmas.
3. Evaluate the importance of plasmas in industry.
4. Identify the requirements for plasma generation and characterisation.
5. Apply physical principles to written numerical problems.
6. Communicate their ideas with their colleagues.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Independent Study150No Description
Online activity30No Description
Total Workload: 180

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Syllabus
Definition of a plasma: Relevant concepts from gas (kinetic) theory. Charged particle interactions. Collective phenomena and Debye shielding. Ambipolar diffusion and plasma sheaths. Plasma chemistry: Collisions and cross sections. Plasma composition.Plasma generation: Non-equilibrium and energy transport. Plasma formation and decay.Plasma properties: Particle and energy balance. Scaling laws.Industrial applications: Discussion of certain applications, and the properties of plasma that are most relevant to those applications.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • M. A. Lieberman and A. J. Lichtenberg: 2005, Principles of Plasma Discharges and Materials Processing, 2nd ed., Wiley-Interscience,
  • P. Chabert and N. Braithwaite: 2011, Physics of Radio-Frequency Plasmas, Cambridge University Press,
Other Resources

None
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