Theory of the plasma edge: recycling sheaths

We consider the models for a plasma edge consisting of (a) Vlasov equations for plasma positive ions, in the plasma sheaths near a metal boundary, (b) Vlasov equations for electrons and/or neutrals thus ejected from such surfaces and (c) Vlasov equations for subsequent ionization and dissociation of volume-produced particles. These Vlasov equations are solved simultaneously with Poisson's equation in as many dimensions as desired with boundaries of arbitrary shape and connectivity. These calculations are applied to plasma edge pumps and ion deposition situations to determine pumping efficiency as a function of boundary shape and uniformity of ion deposition on irregular surfaces. This model is highly nonlinear and heretofore unsolvable for problems of this variety