Patent ID: 6600323
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A sensor for an electrostatic detector in the form of an electrostatic voltmeter comprising:(a) an elongated vibratory element having two ends; (b) means for supporting said vibratory element at one of said ends as a cantilever beam; (c) a sensitive electrode on said vibrating element near the other of said ends and disposed toward an electrical charge, field or potential being detected having capacitive coupling to said sensitive electrode; (d) a drive transducer attached to said vibratory element at a predetermined location thereon for vibrating said element at a predetermined frequency in a direction to vary the capacitive coupling between said sensitive electrode and the electrical charge, field or potential being detected; (e) an oscillator operatively connected to said drive transducer for operating said transducer to vibrate said element; and (f) an amplifier combined with said sensitive electrode in an assembly mounted on one surface of said vibrating element, said amplifier deriving an electrical signal from said sensitive electrode containing information about the electrical charge, field or potential being detected.