The nonlinear evolution of spatio-temporal structures in microemulsions

The Rayleigh-Benard convection patterns observed in a microemulsion consisting of water (7.5%), cyclohexan (oil, 61.7%) and diethylenglycolmonobutylether (surfactant, 30.8%) are classified and described. The wavenumber selection in Fourier space is discussed. A connection of the observed intermittent behaviour with the phase separation process in the microemulsion is given.