Design and optimization of a low-frequency electric field sensor using Pockels effect

Author

Passard, Michelle ; Barthod, Christine ; Fortin, Michel ; Galez, Christine ; Bouillot, Jacques

Author_Institution

Lab. d´´Instrumentation et de Materiaux, Univ. de Savoie V, Annecy-le-Vieux, France

Volume

50

Issue

5

fYear

2001

fDate

10/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1053

Lastpage

1058

Abstract

The present paper proposes an optical device for measuring low-frequency (50-60 Hz) high electric fields (0-200 kV.cm^-1) using a LiNbO₃ crystal as sensing medium without any contacting electrode. Thus, a good galvanic insulation of material and person is obtained. An experimental setup is developed in the laboratory by using the electro-optical effect or Pockels effect, and several measurements are realized. Simulations are performed with the finite element method (FEM) to optimize the sensing medium of the device. Experimental and simulation results are presented and discussed. The sensor induces a weak disturbance of the local electric field to be measured. The sensibility of the sensor is about 4 μA/(kV.cm^-1)

Keywords

Pockels effect; electric field measurement; electro-optical devices; finite element analysis; lithium compounds; optical sensors; optimisation; 0-200 kV.cm^-1; 50 to 60 Hz; 50-60 Hz; LiNbO₃; LiNbO₃ crystal; Pockels effect; disturbance; electro-optical effect; finite element method; high electric field measurements; optical sensor; Crystalline materials; Design optimization; Electric variables measurement; Electrodes; Finite element methods; Galvanizing; Insulation; Laboratories; Optical devices; Optical materials;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Instrumentation and Measurement, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9456

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/19.963157

Filename

963157