Simple optical transformer system for intense electric field and voltage sensing

This paper presents a quite simple and efficient optical transformer system for high-voltage measurements. Compact and concise electrooptic sensors measure intense electric fields emitted from 50 kVof a spherical surface. We present two distinct types of optical sensors, one suitable for contacting and the other suitable for non-contacting sensing geometry. The properties of each sensor, including the design, operation principle, linearity and sensitivity, for intense electrical signals are discussed. The voltage sensing capability of the proposed optical transformer, from the measured electric fields, was evaluated and calibrated in a field simulation based on a finite element method and by a commercial potential transformer.