Self-Organized Quasiparticles: Breathing Filaments in a Gas Discharge System

Abstract

A quasi-two-dimensional, lateral ac-powered gas discharge system is investigated experimentally from the point of view of pattern formation. In a certain parameter range, well localized self-organized quasiparticles in the shape of current density filaments are observed. By varying the supply voltage, such objects can be destabilized and stationary filaments with a circular symmetry undergo a transition towards breathing filaments of dumbbell shape.