High voltage measurements using slab coupled optical sensors (SCOS)

One of the most common methods used to measure high voltage is using a voltage divider. While this method is fairly reliable for most low frequency high voltage measurements, the voltage divider encounters difficulty when measuring higher frequency voltage signals. In these instances, the signal measured by the voltage divider becomes susceptible to distortion and inaccuracy. One solution to measuring voltages where a voltage divider would not suffice is using an electrode structure in conjunction with a fiber-based electric field sensor. A high voltage generator was constructed utilizing automotive ignition coils and was used in a capacitor-charging circuit. The voltage on the capacitor was measured using a common resistive voltage divider as well as with a fiber-based electric field sensor. Where a resistor divider was not reliable in characterizing the system, the optical sensor was successful in measuring the charge and discharge voltages of the capacitor circuit.