Plasma is a state of matter consisting of a collection of ionized particles, electrically neutral atoms, and molecules. It makes up more than 90% of the observable universe and underpins several high-tech manufacturing industries. Familiar forms of plasma include the sun, stars, lightning, neon signs, television screen displays, welder’s torches, and rocket exhaust. 

This course is intended to help you understand plasma processes and interactions in low-temperature plasma (LTP) environments. This knowledge can be used to develop new technologies for aerospace, manufacturing, medicine, agriculture, and food safety. Potential applications include superhard materials, prosthetics, and food disinfection. 

It is designed to be an interactive way to self-learn the basics of spectroscopic plasma diagnostics for LTP plasmas. As such, we will cover:

• Basic principles of spectroscopy.
• Background quantum mechanics and atomic theory.
• Basic setup and calibration of spectrometers.
• Data acquisition and analysis.
• Wavelength and intensity spectroscopic techniques.
• Line ratio diagnostic techniques.
• Population modelling of plasmas using generalized collisional radiative methods.