Imaging of charge spatial density on insulating materials

Abstract

We describe the measurement of spatial charge distribution, using a new non-invasive technique. This measurement, based on a 16-element array of ultra-high impedance electric field sensors, is capable of producing both quantitative results for the total amount of surface charge present, as well as imaging the charge to produce plots representing spatial charge distribution. We calibrate the measurement against a conventional induction field meter charge measurement which discharges the sample. Further to this, we show that our technique has no discharging effect on the sample and that therefore it is possible to observe the discharging of insulating materials over periods of several days.