Hexagonal and honeycomb structures in Dielectric Barrier Discharges

Abstract

We present an experimental study of pattern formation in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Neon at 100 torr and 1 mm gap. An intensified CCD camera is used to analyze the time evolution of the patterns during one cycle of the voltage waveform. The formation of a hexagonal pattern of filaments in a transient, glow-like regime is observed, followed by a honeycomb structure that corresponds to a Townsend discharge occurring outside the regions delimited by the previous filaments. A 2D fluid model can qualitatively reproduce these features and is used to help interpreting the experimental results.