title: Optical fiber sensor for electric field and electric charge using low-coherence, Fabry-Perot interferometry.
abstract: An optical fiber sensor for electric field and electric charge, based on the deflection of a small cantilever, has been developed. When the sensor head is placed in an electric field, induced charging produces deflection of the cantilever, which is measured using low-coherence, Fabry-Perot interferometry. The sensor has been used to measure the electric field in the vicinity of a Van de Graaff generator, in the range 135-650 V/cm. The measured deflections are in good agreement with the predictions of a simple model equating the electrostatic and mechanical forces acting on the cantilever.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Priest
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Scelsi
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Woolsey