Spatiotemporal patterns in a dc semiconductor-gas-discharge system: stability analysis and full numerical solutions

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Nonlinear Dynamics
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are known for pattern formation.
• A similar system using stationary DC voltage and a semiconductor layer was previously studied for phase transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation of spatial patterns in a DC-driven gas discharge system with a semiconductor layer.
• To analyze the parameter dependence of temporal and spatiotemporal pattern formation.

Main Methods:

• Modeling the gas discharge with space charge effects and approximating the semiconductor as a linear conductor.
• Employing linear stability analysis and numerical simulations of the initial value problem.
• Comparing results from analytical and numerical methods.

Main Results:

• The model successfully reproduces spontaneous spatiotemporal and temporal pattern formation.
• Onset of spatial patterns was observed for high semiconductor resistance.
• Linear stability analysis and numerical simulations showed good agreement.

Conclusions:

• The DC-driven gas discharge system with a semiconductor layer exhibits complex pattern formation.
• Semiconductor resistance is a critical parameter influencing the type of patterns formed.
• The findings provide insights into nonlinear phenomena in plasma-semiconductor systems.