Master 2 Physics of Plasmas and Fusion

Plasma physics is an interdisciplinary field of research. Leading laboratories in France and around the world conduct numerous research programs in the fields of thermonuclear magnetic and inertial fusion, laser-plasma interaction, astrophysics and process plasmas. Plasma physics also addresses societal issues of prime importance: it is at the origin of major innovations in the fields of energy, environment, space, health and defense, for example.

The objective of the Master's program is to train high-level scientists and engineers capable of investing in research on plasmas, whether natural or artificial, cold or hot, diluted or dense. The Master's degree, generalist in the field of plasma physics, offers a vast choice among many themes, thus allowing students to build step by step and in full knowledge of the facts their professional project (PhD thesis or research and development in the field of industry).

The teaching covers the physics of natural plasmas, process plasmas (including industrial plasmas), thermonuclear plasmas and plasmas resulting from laser-matter interaction. These are at the center of many applications such as satellite propulsion and navigation, space instrumentation and communications, atmospheric re-entry, materials engineering, environmental protection (treatment of gaseous and liquid effluents, reduction of CO2 emissions), bio-medicine and the development of therapeutic devices, agriculture and agronomy, microelectronics, acceleration of charged particles and new plasma gas pedals, radiation and energy sources, lasers, techniques for heating and confining plasmas, particularly in the context of thermonuclear magnetic or inertial fusion. Numerous very Large Facilities and Instruments are involved such as the ITER Tokamak in Cadarache, the Laser MegaJoule (LMJ) in Bordeaux, the Apollon and Petal Lasers, and international space missions such as Solar Orbiter, Parker Solar Probe and MMS (Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission).

The courses are approached in a theoretical and fundamental way, but also from the point of view of experimentation, numerical simulation and modeling. They allow students to acquire expertise in different multidisciplinary fields (plasma/health, plasma/environment, plasma/energy, plasma/space, etc.), but also to be introduced to the most current innovative technologies.

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Objectives

This Master’s program enables students to:

• Follow lessons in physics of space and astrophysical plasmas, cold process plasmas (including industrial plasmas), thermonuclear magnetic and inertial fusion plasmas, laser-plasma interaction and its various applications.
• Work on theoretical approaches, numerical simulation and experimentation in national and international laboratories as well as with Large Instruments such as Tokamaks ITER and WEST, Mégajoule, Apollon, Petal, Laser X, pulsed machines, or large space missions such as Solar Orbiter, Parker Solar Probe, MMS…
• Take some specialized courses through the national framework of the Federation "Training in Fusion and Hot Plasma Sciences" and carry out projects and practical work on the above-mentioned major projects and international instruments.
• Pursue a career of excellence as a scientist or engineer working on national and international plasma research program

Partner Universities

Université Paris-Saclay

Sorbonne Université