William B. Pardo

PHASE SYNCHRONIZATION OF CHAOS IN A PLASMA DISCHARGE TUBE

Experimental phase synchronization of chaos is demonstrated for a plasma discharge tube subject to a high dc voltage (800–900 V), and paced with a low amplitude (less than 1 V) wave generator.

COLOR MAP OF LYAPUNOV EXPONENTS OF INVARIANT SETS

The largest Lyapunov exponent of the Lorenz system is used as a measure of chaotic behavior to construct parameter space color maps. Each color in these maps corresponds to different values of the Lyapunov exponent and indicates, in parameter space, the locations of different levels of chaos for the Lorenz system. Practical applications of these maps include moving in parameter space from place to place without leaving a region of specific behavior of the system.

Pacing a chaotic plasma with a music signal

Abstract An experimental plasma system is driven with a music signal output from a cd player. With the plasma in the periodic regime, optical detection of the light discharge allows the music to be heard from a loudspeaker. That does not happen when the plasma is chaotic, in which case we hear a noise-like hiss typical of chaos. Modulation is observed in the periodic paced plasma, but is not so obvious when the plasma is chaotic.

Chaotic moving striations in inert gas plasmas

Abstract Three distinct data acquisition systems (photo-diode, hybrid video camera/rotating mirror, and high-speed video camera) are utilized to study the behavior of a contemporary geissler plasma discharge tube. The geometry of the tube is responsible for the large changes that occur in the plasma current density over a short distance. The three techniques utilized reveal details of the plasma behavior in a complementary manner. The value of the fractal capacity dimension of the attractor depends on the voltage applied across the tube.

Experimental issues in the observation of water drop dynamics

Abstract The dripping faucet experiment is reexamined. High-speed video sequences reveal interesting dynamics, and expose the limitations of the traditional emitter-detector analysis technique. Refinements to the traditional technique are suggested, based on the video data. A novel data visualization and reduction technique for use with high-speed video is described.

An inexpensive hybrid video imaging system

The core components of a low‐cost hybrid imaging system are an 80386‐based computer, a video digitizer board (frame grabber), and a consumer video camera/recorder. With the addition of a rotating mirror (or chopper), optical filters, and software from the Internet, this system becomes a powerful and versatile diagnostic tool. Although the system is bound by the NTSC or PAL video standards, an understanding of these limitations allows the development of techniques that fully utilize its characteristic spatiotemporal resolutions. The operation of the system is demonstrated via data acquisition from an ac neon Geissler tube.

Phase Synchronization in a Plasma Discharge Driven by a Chaotic Signal

Two different coupled experimental systems (the Chua circuit and a plasma discharge) are demonstrated to be capable of phase synchronizing to each other. Real‐time observation of power spectra in association with oscilloscope plotting of the signals of both systems allows the visualization of the transition from unsynchronization to synchronization.

Color night vision specific performance characterization

The “night vision” community has developed and refined a series of test and measurement routines for characterization of “green monochrome” tube and system performance. Although these tools could be directly applied to Color Night Vision Systems, a detailed re-examination of these techniques in the context of “Color” provides a more meaningful metric. The creation of a color contrast measure is proposed as the first step in the development of Color Night Vision specific performance characterization.