A stochastic model of gaseous dielectric breakdown

A new stochastic pattern-forming model for gaseous dielectric breakdown (DB) which explicitly includes physical time is presented. The stochastic DB model is shown to produce theoretical DB patterns in qualitative agreement with experimental time-resolved discharge patterns in air (N2). Several other theoretical predictions based on the stochastic DB model are discussed. Experimental verification of these predictions may establish a bridge between reductionist and global approaches to the dynamics of gas discharges.