Design and modelling of a microsensor for atmospheric electric field measurement

A new type of electrical field sensor has been investigated for application in atmospheric electrical field measurement. The sensing principal is based on deflection of electrons under an external electrical field. Computer simulation of electron deflection has been carried out using a boundary integral method. It is demonstrated that electron deflection is linearly dependent on external field but inversely proportional to the collector voltage. By controlling the collector voltage, it is possible to dynamically control the sensitivity of the field sensor or the measurement range. An experimental sensor has been made. Preliminary experiment has revealed some practical issues in the sensor and further investigation is needed.