Abstract This work deals with the numerical study of spontaneous temporal oscillations in an atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) in helium. The transition of helium APGD from stationary to periodic oscillatory state through the Hopf bifurcation, and further from periodic to chaotic oscillations through period-doubling bifurcations is explored. The choice of the discharge and external electric circuits parameters is guided by the relevant experiments. The ballast resistance and supply voltage of the external circuit play the role of control parameters. The method is based on the stability analysis of stationary states of the discharge. 

The stability diagram predicting parameter regimes at which stable and oscillatory states of the APGD can be expected is obtained. The effects of the discharge parameters (such as the gas gap, secondary electron emission coefficients, and capacitance in the external electric circuit) on the bifurcation curves are identified. 

The Lorenz map and corresponding period-doubling bifurcation diagram characterizing transition to chaotic oscillations in helium APGD with an increase in the control parameter are derived. The value of the capacitance in the external circuit plays a critical role in the dynamical behavior of the discharge. Decreasing its value contributes to the dissipation/damping of the system, whereas increasing it enhances the irregular behavior of the system.