A PERTURBATION METHOD FOR THE VLASOV-POISSON SYSTEM

A perturbation method for the Vlasov-Poisson system is presented. It i s self consistent and entirely based on Lie transformations, which are considered as active transformations, generating the dynamics of the particle distribution function in the space of distribution functions. The main result is a set of three equations that forms a good startin g point for a wide variety of problems concerning nonlinear wave propa gation. Besides being efficient, the new perturbation method is system atic and therefore also suited for the use of computer algebra.