A Novel Noncontact Surface Potential Monitor for Dielectrics Under Electrons Irradiation

A new instrumentation has been developed for noncontact monitoring of surface potential induced by electrons, both on satellites and ground. The surface potential monitor consisted of a surface charge detector head, front-end electrostatic voltage measurement circuit (EVMC), and associated control electronics. New leakage current eliminating and zero clearing techniques were used in the detector head structure and EVMC to ensure the measurement of the surface potential for a long term with range from 1 V to 10 kV, resolution <;1, which meet the general design guidelines for measurements most relevant to spacecraft charging issues.