Mechanisms of Pattern Formation in Dielectric Barrier Discharges

Formation of complex patterns lateral to the current flow in planar dielectric barrier discharges is investigated experimentally. Digital camera images of discharge patterns are providing telltale clues to the origin of pattern formation in barrier discharges. The images reveal that there are (at least) two mechanisms for pattern formation in these discharge systems corresponding to two types of discharge patterns. Type I patterns are triggered by plasma-electric field interaction at the electrode edge, whereas thermal processes are responsible for the appearance of type II patterns.