Time-resolved imaging of spatiotemporal patterns in a one-dimensional dielectric-barrier discharge system.

A makeshift streak camera produces time-resolved images of filament patterns in a one-dimensional dielectric-barrier discharge system. The images reveal a variety of spatial and temporal structures, including temporally distinct discharge stages that occur at specific phases of the 12.5 kHz driving oscillation and spatially periodic filament arrays that are generated during the discharge stages. The data answer recent questions regarding time-averaged images of a similar system. Most notably, all but the simplest time-averaged images are due to the integration of multiple filament patterns generated in different discharge stages. Disordered states of the system are also examined. Some of these are spatially disordered but display temporal structure; others appear to lack both spatial and temporal order. Possibilities are suggested for investigations of surface-charge spreading and pattern stability in similar systems.