A plasma processing system includes a plasma processing chamber and a plasma confining portion for defining a plasma confined area in the processing chamber. The plasma confining portion includes a plurality of spaced-apart segments arranged in a structural array. An X-axis control portion is provided for moving the plasma confining portion in a direction to expand or contract the plasma confining area. The plasma confining portion typically includes a plurality of confining members disposed one another in a vertical plane and spaced from each other.