A new online training course in laboratory spectroscopic diagnostics developed at Auburn University.*

We report on the launch of a web-based training course, “Introduction to Spectral Diagnostics”, developed at Auburn University as part of the Connecting the Plasma Universe to Alabama (CPU2AL) grant funded by NSF EPCSoR. The course currently focuses on the use of optical emission spectroscopy (OES) as a tool to diagnose plasma parameters using Generalized Collisional-Radiative methods. Future efforts will expand the course to include a variety of advanced topics in non-invasive, optical diagnostics for low temperature plasmas (LTPs). We use self-paced, web-based training modules to provide the necessary background physics, mathematics, laboratory techniques, and introductory coding skills, using a series of training videos on spectrometer use, interactive visualization tools, and video worked examples.

We are able to provide digital certification for industry partners through our collaboration with AU Online, a web development team specializing in online course design. AU Online is part of Auburn University’s commitment to interactive education, and was instrumental in providing instructional design, graphic design, software development, video production, and deployment of this training course.