- Short overview of quantum mechanics and atomic structure.
- Atomic collisions, cross-sections, rate coefficients.
- Elastic collisions, classical and wave mechanical.
- The Born approximation.
- Interatomic potentials.
- The Thomas-Fermi model.
- A universal interatomic potential.
- Plasma resistivity.
- Stopping cross-sections, sputtering and backscattering at surfaces.
- Inelastic collisions with classical and semiclassical model.
- Ionisation, recombination, charge exchange, and Bremsstrahlung.
- Effective Z, radiation losses, equilibria, transport and energy confinement time.
- Use of data for atomic processes in models that treat fusion plasma physics problems.
ED2235 Atomic Physics for Fusion 6.0 credits
The research and development of controlled fusion involves knowledge and methods from many different branches of physics, such as electromagnetism, plasma physics, nuclear physics, atomic physics, surface physics and materials physics.
The purpose of this course is to make the student familiar with those aspects of atomic physics that are most important in fusion research. The focus of the course is on basic understanding of atomic collisions and applications in plasma modeling, plasma diagnostics and plasma surface interactions. Much of the course content is applicable also in other contexts in plasma processing and technology, ion implantation and radiation effects.
Information per course offering
Information for Autumn 2026 TEFRM,TIETM programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 26 Oct 2026 - 11 Jan 2027
- Periods
Autumn 2026: P2 (6 hp)
- Pace of study
33%
- Application code
10744
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Min: 1
- Target group
- Open for all programmes, as long as it can be included in your programme.
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus ED2235 (Autumn 2026–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus ED2235 (Autumn 2026–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After passing the course, the student should be able to
- explain physics for atomic collisions regarding dominating mechanisms in processes as elastic scattering, ionisation, excitation and charge exchange, and give an account of atomic structure and equilibria in plasma at a general level
- make intuitive assessments of relevant magnitudes time scales, energy dependencies etc in fusion relevant atomic processes
- see and give an account of the role of atomic collisions in fusion plasma physics and plasma surface interactions
- use databases and semiempirical formulae for atomic physics data, such as cross-sections and rate coefficients and for derived units as stopping cross-sections and sputtering yield
- use atomic physics data in numerical modelling of plasma phenomena.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Knowledge in single-variable analysis, 7.5 credits, equivalent to completed course SF1625/SF1673/SF1685.
Knowledge in multivariable analysis, 7.5 credits, equivalent to completed course SF1626/SF1674/SF1686.
Knowledge in basic electromagnetism, 6 credits, which may have been acquired in any of the following ways or equivalent:
- completed course in classical physics with significant sub-sections dealing with electromagnetism, such as SK1104/SK1110/SK1112/SK1115/SK1118,
- completed course in electromagnetic field theory such as EI1320/EI1220/EI1228.
Knowledge in basic mechanics, 6 credits, which may have been acquired in any of the following ways or equivalent:
- completed course in classical physics with significant sub-sections dealing with mechanics, such as SK1108,
- completed course in basic mechanics, such as SG1102/SG1109/SG1112/SG1117/SG1120/SG1130/SG1132/SG1133.
Recommended prerequisites
Required background: Basic mechanics and electromagnetic theory, introductory modern physics (SH2008 or equivalent).
Literature
You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- ANN1 - Assignments - Individual, 1.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- TEN1 - Written exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- ANN2 - Assignments - Group, 1.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
Electrical Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics
Education cycle
Second cycle
Supplementary information
In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see:
http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.