A New Near-Zone Electric Field-Strength Meter
Frank M. Greene · 1966
Accurate near-zone electric field measurement tools developed in 1966 laid groundwork for modern EMF exposure assessment.
Plain English Summary
This 1966 technical report describes the development of a new instrument for measuring electric field strength in the near-zone, the area close to EMF sources where field patterns are complex and measurements are most critical. The research focused on creating more accurate measurement tools for electromagnetic fields at close distances from transmitting equipment.
Why This Matters
This technical development from 1966 represents an important milestone in our ability to accurately measure electromagnetic field exposure. Near-zone measurements are particularly crucial because this is where field strengths are highest and most variable - exactly where people often find themselves when using electronic devices or living near transmission equipment. The reality is that without precise measurement tools like the one described in this report, we cannot properly assess EMF exposure levels or establish meaningful safety standards. What this means for you is that the foundation for modern EMF measurement techniques traces back to pioneering work like this, which enabled researchers to begin documenting the field strengths we encounter in our daily lives from sources ranging from household appliances to broadcast antennas.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
The instrument is capable of measuring both the magnitude and direction of elliptically polarized CW electric fields having strengths in the range from 0.1 to 1000 volts per meter at frequencies from 150 kHz to 30 MHz. This represents one step in the effort to develop accurate and meaningful measuring and calibrating instrumentation, for use in evaluating hazards of electromagnetic radiation to electro-explosive ordnance devices.
The design of the NBS meters is based on the use of a novel form of telemetry, employing a completel...
The completed NBS near-zone TRF field-strength meters underwent extensive acceptance tests at the U....
The design and performance of the NBS meters are discussed in some detail. The use of a high-loss, parallel-conductor, balanced transmission line of this type has been found to reduce the perturbation of the surrounding field by more than two orders of magnitude below that existing in the case of a copper line. This renders any effect of the line on the field wholly negligible in most instances. The NBS TRF meters showed the capability of measuring electric-field strengths without difficulty over the entire range from 0.1 to 1000 volts per meter (RMS).
Show BibTeX
@article{a_new_near_zone_electric_field_strength_meter_g7017,
author = {Frank M. Greene},
title = {A New Near-Zone Electric Field-Strength Meter},
year = {1966},
}