Improved Microsensor-Based Fieldmeter for Ground-Level Atmospheric Electric Field Measurements

A microsensor-based fieldmeter with a moisture-proof function for ground-level atmospheric electric field (AEF) measurements is presented in this article. The electrical connection between the protective cover of the fieldmeter and the packaging cover plate of the microsensor significantly enhances the sensitivity. Moreover, a detailed simulation study is performed to analyze the influence of the fieldmeter structure parameters and the mounting pole on the sensitivity. Then, the prototype was developed, calibrated, verified, and tested outdoors. The results show that the sensitivity is 17.5176 mV/(kV/m), which is & x007E;7.4 times that reported earlier. The resolution is 10 V/m, which has reached the level required for AEF measurement. The power consumption is 0.69 W, and there is still a lot of room to reduce it. The measured results show that the prototype can accurately measure the incident electric field in a high-humidity environment and meet the requirements of long-term outdoor use.