An isotropic broadband electric and magnetic field sensor for radiation hazard measurements

The theory and realization of a new type of near-field electromagnetic probe are being investigated. The goal is the accurate measurement of the real power density levels within complex electromagnetic environments. This fully isotropic probe system acquires the 3-D electric and magetic field vectors simultaneously and derives the real power density level from these data. The frequency range is 75 kHz to 30 MHz, over which levels can be measured from 6 V/m to 1500 V/m for the electric field and 30 mA/m to 6 A/m for the magnetic field. An additional antenna set provides higher sensitivity for the electric (3 V/m) and the magnetic (15 mA/m) field. The accuracy of the system is ±1 dB over the applicable frequency (traceable to NIST). This new measurement capability will allow the Swiss PTT to better quantify the levels of electromagnetic pollution near high-power transmitters and other sources, and aid them in assessing whether a radiation hazard to persons and/or biological systems exists