Noninvasive 3D Field Mapping of Complex Static Electric Fields

Abstract

Many upcoming experiments in antimatter research require low-energy antiproton beams. With a kinetic energy in the order of 100 keV, the standard magnetic components to control and focus the beams become less effective. Therefore, electrostatic components are being developed and installed in transfer lines and storage rings. However, there is no equipment available to precisely map and check the electric field generated by these elements. Instead, one has to trust in simulations and, therefore, depend on tight fabrication tolerances. Here we present, for the first time, a noninvasive way to experimentally probe the electrostatic field in a 3D volume with a microsensor. Using the example of an electrostatic quadrupole focusing component, we find excellent agreement between a simulated and real field. Furthermore, it is shown that the spatial resolution of the probe is limited by the electric field curvature which is almost zero for the quadrupole. With a sensor resolution of 61 V=m= ffiffiffiffiffiffi Hz p , the field deviation due to a noncompliance with the tolerances can be resolved. We anticipate that this compact and practical field strength probe will be relevant also for other scientific and technological disciplines such as atmospheric electricity or safeguarding near power infrastructure.

Modeling the Electrostatic Actuation of Nanomechanical Pillar Dimers

“…The polarisation then leads to surface charges on the conductor, which experience a force inside the electric field. A measurable deflection can be achieved by an elastic element between the oppositely charged surface regions, which can be used as electric field sensor (Kainz et al, 2018, Kainz et al, 2019.…”

Review on sensors for electric fields near power transmission systems

“…In passive force-based sensors (see figure 2(a)), the charges are generated by electric induction of the field to be measured. Since the force is proportional to the electric field strength and the charge, the force on the structure is proportional to the square of the electric field strength (F ∝ E 2 ) [16][17][18]. Therefore, passive systems are non-linear and the polarity of the field cannot be inferred with such a sensor.…”

“…A passive electric field sensor with an optical aperture was presented by Kainz et al [17,[24][25][26]. These publications focus on a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) which comprises a moving part made of silicon with an array of holes.…”

Experimental Investigation of the Spatial and Temporal Evolution of the Tangential and Normal E-Field Components along the Stress Grading System of a Real Stator Bar

“…However, another prototype of EO sensor has been proposed which permits to measure only the tangential component of the E-field at the surface of the SGCs, in a direct manner [10]. Finally, the recent development of a new noninvasive E-field sensor based on microelectro-mechanical system (MEMS) with remarkable spatial resolution could be an accurate solution for E-field component scanning at the surface of a stress grading systems [11,12]. As it can be observed, the majority of experimental investigations on SGCs have been only focused on the tangential E-field component.…”