Liesegang patterns : Studies on the width law

The so-called "width law" for Liesegang patterns, which states that the positions x_n and widths w_n of bands verify the relation x_n \sim w_n^{\alpha} for some \alpha>0, is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. We provide experimental data exhibiting good evidence for values of \alpha close to 1. The value \alpha=1 is supported by theoretical arguments based on a generic model of reaction-diffusion.