Electrostatic (E) field sensors

Electrostatic (E) field sensors are employed in many applications either as stand-alone devices or as components of more complex measurement systems. Common applications of E-field sensors are in monitoring of fields generated by atmospheric phenomena, particle detectors, mass spectrometers, scanning microscopes and electrophoresis systems, and the assessing of phenomena involving static charges either in processing and storage of inflammable materials or in the production of electronic devices. In the automotive industry, active and passive safety systems (e.g. air bags) and occupant sensing systems are equipped with E-Field sensors. In general, the measurement of electrostatic fields requires no contact with a surface to avoid surface discharging and electrical potential changes. Non-contacting instruments are commonly classified as electrostatic-field meters (ESFMs) and electrostatic-volt meters (ESVMs).