Order–chaos–order–chaos transition and evolution of multiple anodic double layers in glow discharge plasma

Plasma often shows complex dynamic behavior. We present an experimental observation of order–chaos–order–chaos transition in glow discharge plasma. These transitions correspond to the evolution of different stages of a multiple anodic double layer. Multiple anodic double layers were produced in a typical glow discharge condition and associated floating potential oscillations were recorded for monotonous variation of one of the control parameters i.e. the cathode voltage. With a variation in the cathode voltage, the multiple anodic double layers were evolved to different stages. The recorded experimental time series data had been analyzed and quantified using power spectra, phase space trajectories, time-delay reconstructions of state space, Lyapunov exponent and correlation dimensions. The analysis shows that the chaotic behavior corresponds to diffused boundaries between two double layers.